Published by ChinaMNC · Maqu

China Opens Public Consultation on Optimizing Environmental Power Price Oversight

China's market regulator is consulting the public on a draft notice to optimize environmental power price supervision. Foreign founders operating energy-intensive businesses in China should note the October 20, 2026 feedback deadline and the two official channels for submitting comments.

What the Consultation Covers

The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has published a draft notice titled Notice on Matters Concerning the Optimization of Environmental Power Price Supervision (Draft for Comments) and is inviting public feedback. According to the announcement, the draft was prepared to advance pollution reduction at coal-fired power plants, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of coal-fired power generation enterprises, and establish a coordinated and efficient regulatory mechanism for environmental power prices.

The announcement was released on October 13, 2026, and is attributed to SAMR's Price Supervision and Competition Bureau. For foreign founders building or running companies in China, the document is one to watch if their operations involve electricity-intensive manufacturing, power generation, or supply chains tied to coal-fired electricity.

Why This Matters for Foreign-Invested Companies

Power costs are a material line item for many foreign-invested enterprises in China, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, processing, and industrial production. The draft concerns the regulatory framework around environmental power pricing, which sits at the intersection of environmental policy and electricity pricing. Although the announcement does not detail the specific pricing rules in the draft itself, its stated aims signal that the government intends to refine how environmental power price oversight is coordinated and implemented.

Foreign founders do not need to act on the draft immediately. However, companies with significant electricity exposure may wish to review the attached draft and drafting explanation, monitor the final notice once issued, and factor potential changes into their budgeting and compliance planning.

How to Submit Feedback

SAMR has set out two official channels for public comments:

• Online: Visit the SAMR website at www.samr.gov.cn and use the "Solicitation Survey" section under the "Interaction" column on the homepage.
• By post: Mail comments to the Price Supervision and Competition Bureau, State Administration for Market Regulation, No. 9 Madian East Road, Haidian District, Beijing, Postal Code 100088. The envelope should be marked "Feedback on the Notice on Matters Concerning the Optimization of Environmental Power Price Supervision (Draft for Comments)."

Deadline

The comment period closes on October 20, 2026. Submissions received after that date may not be considered.

Attachments Referenced in the Announcement

The announcement lists two attachments:

• The Notice on Matters Concerning the Optimization of Environmental Power Price Supervision (Draft for Comments)
• The drafting explanation

Foreign founders who want to understand the intended mechanics of the policy should read both documents. The drafting explanation is typically where the regulator sets out the background, rationale, and expected effect of the proposed rules. These attachments are available through the SAMR website.

Practical Guidance for Foreign Founders

1. Check whether your operations are exposed

If your China entity operates factories, data centers, cold-chain facilities, or other power-intensive assets, review the draft to assess whether the proposed oversight mechanism could affect your electricity costs or procurement arrangements. Companies in the services or trading sectors are less likely to be directly affected.

2. Use the comment window if you have a stake

Foreign-invested enterprises are permitted to participate in public consultations. If your business has a genuine interest in the environmental power pricing framework, the online channel via the SAMR website is the most straightforward route. Comments should be specific, factual, and submitted before the October 20, 2026 deadline.

3. Keep records of your submission

If you submit comments by post, retain a copy of your letter and note the mailing date. If you submit online, save a screenshot or confirmation of your submission. This is good practice for any regulatory engagement in China.

4. Monitor the final notice

A draft for comments is not a final rule. The content may change after the consultation period. Foreign founders should track SAMR's website for the final notice and any accompanying implementation guidance before adjusting contracts, budgets, or compliance procedures.

5. Coordinate with local advisers

Because the announcement does not set out the detailed pricing rules, companies with material exposure should review the attachments with local legal or tax advisers who can interpret how the final policy may apply to their specific operations and location.

Key Takeaways

• SAMR issued a draft notice on optimizing environmental power price supervision on October 13, 2026.
• The stated goals are deeper pollution reduction at coal-fired power plants, protection of the legitimate rights and interests of coal-fired power enterprises, and a coordinated, efficient oversight mechanism.
• Public comments can be submitted online via the SAMR website or by post to the Price Supervision and Competition Bureau in Beijing.
• The feedback deadline is October 20, 2026.
• The draft and drafting explanation are attached to the announcement.

Foreign founders who need support understanding how Chinese regulatory consultations and power-related compliance may affect their China entity can reach out to ChinaMNC on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for assistance with registering and operating a company in China.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.