The CNE consolidates into a single contractual instrument the interconnection and connection of Power Plants, Electricity Storage Systems and Load Centers, while introducing new rules on amendments, metering, extensions and electronic procedures.
On March 17, 2026, the “Agreement by which the National Energy Commission issues the contract model for the interconnection, connection or both to the National Transmission Grid or the General Distribution Networks for Power Plants, Electricity Storage Systems and Load Centers” (the “Contract Model”) was published in the Federal Official Gazette.
The new Contract Model introduces a significant change by replacing the separate instruments that previously governed Power Plant interconnection and Load Center connection. Under the new framework, a single agreement may govern interconnection, connection or both, as applicable.
The unified structure also broadens the scope of the contractual framework, which is no longer limited to the injection or withdrawal of electricity but now expressly accommodates storage-related and hybrid operating configurations.
One of the principal changes is the express inclusion of Electricity Storage Systems (“SAEEs”) as eligible parties to request interconnection or connection to the National Electric System (“SEN”). This provides storage projects with a contractual framework specifically designed to reflect their technical and operational characteristics.
The Contract Model also introduces several changes compared with the previous frameworks. Key developments include:
• Contract amendments. Certain changes may be made without prior approval from the CNE or the National Center for Energy Control (“CENACE”), provided they do not constitute a Technical Modification, alter the contractual model itself or require changes to the applicable permits.
• Metering systems. Additional references are incorporated to the Settlement Metering Manual and the Information and Communications Technology Requirements Manual. The metering system must also be granted on loan for use to the Transmission or Distribution entity.
• Extensions. Extensions exceeding six months will require, as applicable, an amendment to the relevant permit before the CNE or an extension granted by CENACE. The new framework also requires the Transmission or Distribution entity to report delays within its area of responsibility affecting the applicable works schedule.
• Force majeure. Operational conditions within the SEN that prevent certain activities in order to preserve Reliability and Security are expressly included as possible force majeure events. In contrast, increases in the cost or price of materials, equipment or fuels are expressly excluded.
• Liquidated damages. The penalty previously applicable to certain defaults by the Transmission or Distribution entity is removed. A new penalty is instead introduced where access for inspection of metering systems is denied, with the amount determined under the applicable administrative provisions governing the Public Electricity Transmission and Distribution Service.
• Electronic means. The Contract Model expressly recognizes the use of electronic means and Advanced Electronic Signatures for contractual execution and administration.
Taken together, these changes modernize the contractual framework for interconnection and connection to reflect new technologies and operating configurations within the SEN, particularly energy storage, while establishing more consistent rules for Power Plants, Load Centers and SAEEs.
The Contract Model entered into force on the business day following its publication. Upon its entry into force, the interconnection and connection contract models issued between 2015 and 2016, together with their respective clarifications, were repealed.
For developers, generators, users and storage project operators, the new framework makes it important to assess its implications for existing and future agreements, particularly with respect to technical conditions, metering systems, extensions, contractual amendments and interconnection or connection obligations.
Von Wobeser y Sierra is available to assist with the analysis and implementation of the new Contract Model and its implications for generation, storage and Load Center projects.
