State Council Decree Expands Liability for Power Grid Operators

Beijing – The State Council, through a decree signed by Premier Li Xiang, has broadened the legal responsibilities of entities involved in China’s power grid. The revised regulation, containing 38 clauses and slated to take effect on 1 January 2027, obliges electricity producers and consumers to follow a unified distribution framework and enforce all relevant technical standards. It also redefines accident classification by incorporating grid size, equipment performance, and operational control factors. The decree explicitly includes non‑utility organisations that interact with the grid, assigning them distinct safety duties. Distribution agencies are now mandated to file accident reports without delay, while power companies must craft emergency response strategies and conduct regular drills. An upgraded investigation system requires inquiry teams to submit reports to oversight bodies and publish findings as mandated by law.