SENER Promotes Voluntary Energy Efficiency Agreements

SENER highlighted voluntary agreements signed between the government and large electricity consumers to strengthen energy efficiency practices across key industrial sectors, the ministry announced Friday. The agreements aim to reduce consumption, improve competitiveness and support national energy policy objectives.

In a statement, SENER said the accords were reached with companies that have high levels of electricity usage and demonstrate the capacity to implement comprehensive efficiency measures. The ministry said the agreements are part of broader efforts to integrate energy efficiency into corporate strategy and national planning, advancing targets set in policy instruments such as the National Energy Strategy and the Law on Energy Transition.

Minister of Energy Luz Elena González Escobar noted that the government’s role is to provide regulatory frameworks, technical support, and coordination with state institutions, while voluntary partners commit to adopting best practices, data reporting, and continuous improvement in energy management. The framework emphasizes measurement, verification, and transparency as foundations for monitoring progress.

Under the agreements, participating companies are expected to establish internal systems for energy data collection, implement efficiency projects to reduce demand during peak hours, and identify opportunities to optimize electricity use in production processes. SENER said these commitments align with the National Energy Efficiency Program, which seeks to reduce the energy intensity of Mexico’s economy and support industrial competitiveness.

SENER further stated that the voluntary accords do not replace mandatory regulatory obligations but are intended to complement them by facilitating collaboration and piloting innovative approaches. The ministry said it will provide technical guidance through the National Commission for Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE), which has developed methodologies and tools to assist firms in evaluating performance and planning investments in efficiency.

The ministry noted that high electricity consumption has implications for national power system planning, especially as the country’s industrial base grows and demand forecasts increase. Efficiency gains from large users can relieve pressure on generation and transmission infrastructure, lower operational costs for participating enterprises, and reduce exposure to volatile electricity markets.

SENER also pointed to past results from efficiency initiatives, including reduced peak demand and lower energy intensity in certain sectors, as evidence that structured collaboration between the public sector and industry can yield measurable outcomes. The ministry said it will continue tracking progress through periodic reporting and evaluation mechanisms established under the agreements.

Industry associations welcomed the initiative, saying that structured engagement with SENER and CONUEE helps align corporate energy strategies with national policy goals. They said efficiency improvements can translate into cost savings and support broader sustainability commitments, including participation in energy-intensive global supply chains.

SENER said it will expand the voluntary agreement framework to additional sectors and users capable of making significant efficiency contributions. The ministry also plans to coordinate with other federal agencies, including the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, to integrate energy efficiency into broader climate and economic policy agendas.

The announcement reinforces Mexico’s emphasis on energy efficiency, a central element of national energy policy, with SENER and the National Commission for Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE) leading implementation efforts. The initiative includes recognizing public and state-owned institutions for 2024 energy savings and establishing new efficiency standards for key equipment such as air-conditioning systems and electric motors. The effort also aims to support private sector engagement, with CONUEE signing technical cooperation agreements and developing tools to help both large industrial consumers and SMEs improve energy performance. Analysts cited rising electricity demand driven by industrial growth and nearshoring as a factor making efficiency measures a priority for managing peak loads and reducing operating costs.