The CNE established a new regulatory framework for Electricity Storage Systems, defining their participation models, technical requirements and operating conditions within Mexico’s National Electric System.
On April 16, 2026, the General Administrative Provisions for the Integration of Electricity Storage Systems into the National Electric System (the “DACGs”), issued by the National Energy Commission (“CNE”), were published in the Federal Official Gazette.
The DACGs establish the technical, operational and regulatory framework applicable to the installation, interconnection, connection and operation of Electricity Storage Systems (“SAEEs”), as well as the conditions under which they may provide services and participate in the Wholesale Electricity Market (“MEM”).
The new framework recognizes several integration models, including SAEEs associated with Power Plants, Load Centers, Self-Consumption schemes, transmission and distribution infrastructure, and Stand-Alone SAEEs.
Applicable requirements vary depending on the relevant model and may include Interconnection or Connection Studies, technical information regarding storage capacity, power, response times and charge and discharge profiles, as well as compliance with specific conditions determined by the National Center for Energy Control (“CENACE”).
A relevant feature is that SAEEs participating in the MEM may enter into long-term bilateral agreements for the purchase and sale of Capacity and other products. However, only storage systems with a duration of at least three hours may qualify for Capacity accreditation.
For SAEEs associated with Power Plants, storage is considered part of the generating facility and therefore does not require a separate storage permit. These systems may be used to manage generation variability, optimize injection profiles and improve operational efficiency, subject to the limits of the applicable generation permit and interconnection agreement.
Adding storage to existing Power Plants may require updated CENACE studies and, where applicable, amendments to the generation permit. In addition, Power Plants operating under legacy regimes established by the former Public Electricity Service Law or Electricity Industry Law will be required to migrate to the Electricity Sector Law regime if they incorporate SAEEs.
SAEEs associated with Load Centers also do not require a separate storage permit. Their use is limited to optimizing the Load Center’s own consumption, and stored electricity may not be injected into the National Transmission Grid or General Distribution Networks or sold to third parties.
Under Self-Consumption structures, SAEEs may be integrated into either Power Plants or Consumption Centers. Their regulatory treatment will depend on the specific Self-Consumption model and the terms of the applicable permit or registration.
In particular, Power Plants using variable energy sources must have backup arrangements, either through coverage contracted with the Federal Electricity Commission (“CFE”) or third parties, or through a SAEE sized in accordance with CENACE criteria.
SAEEs associated with transmission and distribution infrastructure will form part of the strategic infrastructure of the National Electric System and will be exclusively owned by CFE.
One of the most relevant models for new projects is the Stand-Alone SAEE, which operates independently and requires a storage permit issued by the CNE. These systems may participate directly in the MEM as an “Storage Operator” or through market representatives and may carry out transactions involving electricity, Capacity and Ancillary Services.
Stand-Alone SAEEs may also provide backup coverage to Power Plants subject to obligations arising from generation variability and may enter into agreements with CENACE to help maintain or improve the Reliability of the National Electric System.
Their development will require Interconnection and Connection Studies addressing, among other matters, the system’s capacity and power, charge and discharge profiles, response times and impact on grid stability, security and reliability.
The DACGs also permit the grouped integration of SAEEs, allowing participants with the same regulatory status to share or coordinate the use of storage systems within the same substation, node or electrical area designated by CENACE.
In addition, Interconnected Self-Consumption schemes may obtain backup services from SAEEs owned by third parties or CFE, creating alternatives for complying with regulatory requirements without necessarily developing dedicated storage infrastructure.
The DACGs entered into force on the day following their publication and repealed Agreement A/113/2024. Storage projects already operating or under development will need to adapt to the new framework, which may require adjustments to permits, studies, agreements, technical conditions and operating models.
For developers, generators, Final Users and other electricity sector participants, the new framework makes the selection of the storage integration model particularly important, as it will determine the applicable permits, studies, operational restrictions and opportunities for participation in the MEM.
Von Wobeser y Sierra is available to assist with the analysis and implementation of the DACGs, the structuring of storage projects and the assessment of their regulatory, technical and contractual implications.
