Core Viewpoint - The construction of the domestic electricity spot market in China is expected to significantly accelerate by 2025, driven by policy initiatives and market demand [1][10]. Group 1: Market Development - As of September 2024, Jiangsu officially launched the continuous settlement trial operation of its electricity spot market, marking a significant step in the development of electricity trading in the region [2]. - By the end of 2025, it is anticipated that the electricity spot market will achieve near-complete coverage across all provinces, with seven provinces already transitioning to formal operations [2][10]. - The electricity market in China is categorized into three main types: electricity spot market, medium- and long-term trading market, and auxiliary service market, each serving different trading timeframes and purposes [10][11]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The electricity trading market has expanded significantly, with a more diverse and complex range of business activities compared to 2021 [4]. - In 2024, Jiangsu's total electricity consumption reached 848.6 billion kilowatt-hours, ranking first in the State Grid operating area and second nationally, indicating a high demand for electricity [7]. - The average monthly electricity trading price in Jiangsu exceeded 0.412 yuan per kilowatt-hour in 2024, suggesting potential savings for users who switch from State Grid's proxy purchasing to market participation [7]. Group 3: Policy and Regulation - Recent policy adjustments in Jiangsu aim to regulate the retail electricity market, including profit-sharing agreements between electricity retailers and users [8]. - The establishment of a unified regulatory framework for the electricity market is ongoing, with a focus on creating a comprehensive set of rules to ensure transparency and fairness [14][15]. - Challenges remain in harmonizing market rules across provinces while allowing for regional adaptations based on local resources and industry structures [16][17].

Core Viewpoint - The issuance of the "Basic Rules for Electricity Market Measurement and Settlement" by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration marks a significant milestone in the reform of China's electricity market, establishing a foundational rule system for a unified national electricity market [1][2][3]. Group 1: Rule System Development - A unified electricity market rule system is essential for implementing major decisions from the central government and for building an efficient, fair, and open national market [1][2]. - The new foundational rule system, referred to as "1+6", includes the "Basic Rules for Electricity Market Operation" and covers various market segments such as medium- and long-term trading, spot trading, and ancillary services [1][3]. - The establishment of this rule system addresses issues such as fragmented market rules, inter-provincial barriers, and the need for effective protection of market participants' interests [1][3]. Group 2: Historical Context and Progress - The electricity market reform has evolved through pilot programs since 2016, leading to the gradual establishment of various market types across the country [1][2]. - The "Basic Rules for Medium- and Long-Term Trading" and the "Basic Rules for Spot Market (Trial)" were previously established to support the healthy development of the electricity market [2][3]. - The recent issuance of the "Basic Rules for Electricity Market Measurement and Settlement" fills the last gap in the "1+6" foundational rule system, ensuring comprehensive regulation of market operations [3][4]. Group 3: Market Functionality and Future Directions - The "Basic Rules for Electricity Market Operation" define participant roles, responsibilities, pricing mechanisms, and risk prevention strategies, serving as the core engine for market stability [4]. - The rules for registration, information disclosure, and measurement settlement function as the market's "identity card," "account book," and "calculator," ensuring fairness and transparency [4]. - The National Energy Administration plans to continuously improve the "1+N" foundational rule system to enhance coordination among various market types, including green electricity trading and ancillary services [4].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent progress in the construction of a national unified electricity market in China, highlighting the issuance of the "Basic Rules for Electricity Market Measurement and Settlement" by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration [2][3]. Summary by Sections Overview of the New Rules - The new rules clarify the basis for electricity market measurement and settlement, applicable scope, and management requirements for measurement devices [3]. - The rules aim to address issues such as inconsistent measurement management, unclear responsibilities between grid companies and trading institutions, and delays in electricity bill settlements [3]. Structure of the Electricity Market - The establishment of a "1+6" foundational rule system for the electricity market is completed, which includes basic operational rules and various trading rules [3]. - The settlement process involves two main steps: the trading institution forming the settlement basis and the grid company conducting the electricity bill settlement [4]. Responsibilities and Processes - The rules specify the responsibilities of grid companies in verifying settlement bases and standardize the verification process [5]. - Market participants must meet independent measurement conditions, and measurement devices should be installed at property boundary points [5]. Settlement Management - The rules outline the rights and obligations of various market members regarding settlement, including preparation, issuance of settlement bases, and payment processes [5]. - A unified measurement unit and settlement subject format are established, with a general settlement cycle of a natural month [5]. Risk Management in Settlement - The rules require trading institutions to conduct settlement risk assessments and mandate market participants to provide performance guarantees [6]. - The rules also standardize the payment processes between power generation companies and grid companies, including VAT invoice issuance and payment agreements [6].