CRE Dissolved as CNE Takes Over Energy Oversight

Following CRE’s dissolution of CRE on March 19, 2025, regulatory authority over the energy sector has been transferred to the newly created National Energy Commission (CNE), marking a major structural shift. This transition aligns regulatory responsibilities directly with the Ministry of Energy (SENER), removing the constitutional autonomy previously held by CRE.

The change stems from constitutional reforms enacted in 2024, aimed at what the federal government has called “organic simplification.” Under these reforms, CRE and the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH) ceased to function as autonomous bodies. 

Luis Campos, Commercial Manager of Business Sustainability, discussed immediate impacts. “Today we are talking about the official extinction of CRE. Now, the CNE will be in charge of regulation, supervision and oversight of the entire energy sector.” Campos also pointed to new obligations for gasoline retailers, including the ratification of prices every Friday by 6 p.m. in addition to the prior requirement of reporting price changes one hour before implementation.

Gasoline stations must continue to file daily reports on sales, inventory and purchases. “This requirement is based on Agreement A041 from 2018, which establishes formats and means. Despite the repeal of other agreements, the obligation to report remains in force,” states Campos.

The legal framework allows a 90-day period to publish internal regulations for the CNE. Until then, existing procedures remain unchanged. “For now, everything remains the same. However, we must be alert for possible changes when internal regulations are published,” Campos warned. April also brings the annual compliance period for permit holders under the current regulatory system, pending any modifications.

The administrative and legal consequences of CRE’s disappearance are substantial. At the time of closure, CRE left behind 775 unresolved legal cases involving over MX$24 billion (US$1.202 billion) in penalties, sanctions and disputes initiated by energy companies. Among them is Iberdrola’s appeal against a MX$9.145 billion-fine. That process was awaiting a resolution from CRE, which is no longer operational.

Stellantis, parent company of Chrysler, Fiat and Peugeot, also filed an appeal in December 2024 challenging a decision to exclude its plants from self-supply electricity permits. Environmental groups including Cemda have legal proceedings pending against a 2023 agreement that classifies gas-fired generation as “clean” energy.

Esentia Energy is contesting a March 2024 resolution that imposes operating conditions on the country’s largest private gas pipeline network, spanning 2,017km.