China News Service, April 2. According to the website of the National Development and Reform Commission, recently, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration revised and issued the "Implementation Measures for the Division of Distribution Areas for Incremental Power Distribution Business" (Development and Reform Energy Regulations [2024] No. 317 ) (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"). Focusing on issues of concern to society and the industry, relevant responsible comrades from the National Energy Administration were interviewed by reporters and answered their questions.
Question: What is the background of the revision of the Measures?
Answer:
In 2018, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration formulated and issued the "Implementation Measures for the Division of Distribution Areas for Incremental Power Distribution Business (Trial)" (Fagai Energy Regulations [2018] No. 424), which clarified the incremental power distribution business The basic principles, responsible entities and handling procedures for the division of power distribution areas, and put forward principled disposal opinions on the existing assets and users involved in the division of power distribution areas, and made specific provisions on the changes and supervision of power distribution areas, providing a basis for incremental power distribution. The division of business power distribution areas provides a policy basis.
In the six years since its implementation, this document has effectively promoted the division of power distribution areas and the issuance of power business licenses for incremental power distribution reform pilot projects. As the situation changes, some clauses in the original document are no longer adapted to the current reality of incremental power distribution reform. In order to further standardize the division of power distribution areas for incremental power distribution business and steadily promote the reform of incremental power distribution business, we have revised it.
Question: What are the principles for revising the Measures?
Answer:
We adhere to the revision principles of being in compliance with laws and regulations, problem-oriented, fair and just, and advancing with the times, fully embody the spirit of the existing incremental power distribution reform policy documents, and actively absorb the practical experience formed in the division of power distribution areas.
Q: What are the main revisions to the Measures?
Answer:
The main revisions include the following aspects: First, it is clarified that the provincial energy authorities are responsible for the division of power distribution areas in the province, and the National Energy Administration’s dispatched agencies are responsible for issuing power business licenses (power supply) to owners of incremental power distribution business projects. Second, it is clear that the division of power distribution areas should adhere to the basic principles of fairness, justice, safety, reliability, economic rationality, clear boundaries, and clear responsibilities to ensure the safe and stable development of the power grid; power distribution areas should be determined according to the overall plans of administrative regions or development zones, industrial parks, etc. The geographical scope should be divided with clear boundaries, and the integrity and continuity of the power distribution area should be maintained as much as possible to avoid duplication of construction, cross-power supply, etc., which would affect the implementation of universal services and guaranteed power supply services. The third is to clarify the division of power distribution areas before the project owner is determined, to facilitate the decision-making of potential investors and avoid subsequent disputes. The department in charge of division of power distribution areas should organize the preparation of power distribution area division plans and solicit local governments, power grid enterprises, potential investors, etc. Comments and suggestions from relevant stakeholders. Fourth, it is clarified that the opinions on the division of power distribution areas are the main basis for incremental power distribution companies to apply for power business licenses (power supply), and that independent division agreements between companies are no longer a prerequisite.
Q: How to promote the effective implementation of the Measures in the next step?
Answer:
In the next step, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration will guide local government departments and power grid enterprises (including incremental power distribution enterprises) to divide the distribution areas for incremental power distribution business; guide the dispatched offices of the National Energy Administration to do so. We will ensure the issuance of power business licenses and help qualified incremental power distribution companies obtain legal operating status as soon as possible. At the same time, we will pay close attention to the implementation of the Measures, fully listen to the opinions and suggestions of all parties involved in the reform, continue to track the progress of incremental power distribution projects, and promote the implementation of pilot projects as soon as possible.