Congress Urges CENACE, CRE to Boost National Grid Reliability

The Permanent Commission of Congress approved a resolution by economic vote, urging CENACE to intensify its efforts to ensure the efficiency, quality, reliability, continuity, and security of the National Electricity System (SEN), aiming to guarantee electricity supply throughout the country. Additionally, CRE was called upon to review, analyze, and, if necessary, update the formulation and calculation methodology of the final tariffs for basic electricity supply in areas affected by natural disasters.

MORENA Deputy Adriana Bustamante explained that this resolution addresses issues identified in the energy flow during the dry season. The initiative also aims to strengthen CFE as a profitable and efficient entity, promoting transparency, honesty, quality in its processes, and sustainable development.

Claudia Sheinbaum has expressed her concern about the modernization of infrastructure. Sheinbaum mentioned that “CFE will guarantee and strengthen energy transmission and distribution capacity and maintain its participation in electricity generation.” 

Bustamante highlighted that in 2023, 1,207 projects were completed with an investment of MX$3.2 billion (US$174.13 million), expanding distribution networks with 19 substations and eight high-voltage lines. Energy losses were reduced due to the modernization of 1.8 million m of the grid, resulting in a sales increase of MX$449 million. Furthermore, the multi-annual smart grid project reached 72% completion, enhancing measurement and remote operation of facilities.

By the end of last year, the CFE was serving 48.2 million customers, positively impacting families, businesses, schools, and workplaces that rely on electricity for their development.

Ricardo Mota, Director General, CENACE, emphasized the need for improving predictive systems to better adapt to peaks in electricity demand, which have shown significant variations due to weather conditions. Mota explained that the current administrative cycles hinder timely maintenance. He also acknowledged the lack of public information on reserve margins and mentioned that CENACE is committed to restoring this transparency once a methodology for interpretation is agreed upon with CRE.

Earlier this month, the government stopped disclosing information about emergencies in the SEN to the general public, classifying these as a matter of national security. According to the government and CENACE, the spread of this information would generate panic and CENACE accused "some media outlets" of inaccurately reporting the pre-emergency stage. For now, CENACE will only publish emergency alerts only after their resolution.