SE, SENER Working to Authorize Self-Supply Permits

The Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Energy are working on granting self-supply permits to large companies in the country. The initiative aims to provide greater flexibility and opportunities for businesses to generate their own energy, which can help reduce their reliance on the national power grid and reduce energy costs.

The Mexican government has received criticism from private players for promoting biased energy policies. Recently, the National Association of Manufacturers and the American Clean Power Association, led by the American Petroleum Institute (API), urged the Office of the US Trade Representative to hold Mexico accountable for these unequal perspectives. 

Raquel Buenrostro, Minister of Economy, assured the American Chamber of Commerce of Mexico (AMCHAM) that there was no discrimination against foreign investors based on the electricity law. “It is not about discrimination but the time it takes to connect renewable energies. That is a technical issue,” she said. 

The Ministry of Economy is working with SENER to authorize self-generation energy plans for large clusters or complexes that use significant amounts of energy. Buenrostro reportedly mentioned the use of photovoltaic energy as an option for these self-generation plans. “ We are working with SENER to grow investments so they are made public as soon as possible, with peace of mind that there will be a regular renewable energy dispatch, “said Buenrostro. 

Between 1994 and 2019, 468 self-supply permits were granted. Self-suppliers focus on C&I clients and do not offer electricity to residential users. As of 2019, 72% of those permits are in operation, while 20% are undergoing construction and 5.8% have been terminated.