[National Development and Reform Commission: Integrate medium- and long-term contracts for the guaranteed supply of energy, coal, electricity, and natural gas into a unified system framework] On October 23, the National Development and Reform Commission issued the "Measures for the Management of Medium- and Long-term Contracts for Guaranteed Supply of Energy (Trial)", which will come into effect on December 1, 2026. Relevant responsible comrades from the National Development and Reform Commission answered reporters’ questions regarding the Measures. What provisions does the "Measures" make for medium- and long-term energy supply guarantee contracts? The "Measures" incorporate medium- and long-term energy supply guarantee contracts for coal, electricity, and natural gas into a unified institutional framework, effectively improving the institutionalization, legalization, and standardization of medium- and long-term energy supply guarantee contracts. The first is to clarify the rights and obligations of all parties. The "Measures" clarify that energy companies have the social responsibility to ensure safe and stable supply. Supply and demand parties should negotiate or trade in a market-oriented manner, sign and perform medium- and long-term contracts for energy supply guarantees in accordance with laws and regulations; at the same time, it also clearly conveys the responsibilities of corporate responsibilities and relevant government departments to form a responsibility chain of "enterprise main responsibility, government supervision, and hierarchical responsibility." The second is to standardize the signing and performance of contracts. Based on the actual needs of total supply and demand balance and people's livelihood protection, the "Measures" regulate the signing and performance of medium- and long-term energy supply contracts by category to improve the stability and reliability of energy supply. During the performance of the contract, on the premise of ensuring safe and stable supply, changes and adjustments can be made through consensus between the supply and demand parties, taking into account the rigidity and flexibility of the contract. The third is to improve the supervision and management mechanism. The "Measures" clarify the legal responsibilities of all parties and the circumstances of accountability. If there is a serious impact on the energy supply guarantee work, the relevant responsibilities will be investigated in accordance with the relevant provisions of laws and regulations. At the same time, a policy incentive and restraint mechanism has been established to improve the quality and efficiency of mid- and long-term contract performance.