Peru’s Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) has finally published the Complementary Services Regulation, one of the most anticipated rules for the country’s electricity sector. The measure comes after more than a year of regulatory delays and marks a turning point for system modernisation and the integration of technologies such as energy storage.
The new framework stems from Law No. 32249, which aims to ensure a secure, reliable and efficient power supply while promoting diversification of the energy mix. In this context, complementary services are defined as those required to guarantee the transmission and delivery of electricity from generation to end users, establishing for the first time specific rules for their implementation, operation and management.
Industry stakeholders have long highlighted the need for a clear regulatory framework for these services, which until now operated without specific definitions within Peru’s electricity system. This regulatory gap had created uncertainty in investment decisions, particularly for technologies linked to system flexibility.
Specifically, the decree approves a regulation comprising seven sections and 44 articles, setting out the legal framework for the implementation, operation and administration of complementary services. The rule recognises these services as an integral part of the electricity system and formally incorporates their providers as market participants, enabling their inclusion in system planning and operation.
The regulation also introduces significant changes to the electricity market by establishing rules for energy injection, withdrawal and settlement in the short-term market, as well as criteria for the allocation and remuneration of these services. Amendments are also made to the Electricity Concessions Law Regulation, the Wholesale Electricity Market Regulation and the COES regulation, with the aim of integrating these new participants into the system.
One of the regulation’s main impacts is the creation of the necessary conditions for the development of energy storage projects—a key technology to support the integration of variable renewable energy such as solar PV and wind power. The framework introduces definitions related to performance, availability, metering and verification schemes, all of which are essential to structure financially viable business models.
At the same time, the regulation broadens the pool of eligible participants, as complementary services may now be provided by generators, transmission companies, distribution companies, large consumers and other agents authorised by MINEM. This opening encourages new market entrants and fosters competition in the provision of these services.
The rule also introduces structural changes to the Wholesale Electricity Market, enabling complementary services to participate in the short-term market. Within this framework, providers will be allowed to carry out energy purchase and sale transactions while delivering these services.
Additionally, the regulation establishes relevant economic incentives. Energy withdrawals associated with the provision of complementary services will be exempt from transmission and distribution charges, as well as other related fees. These withdrawals will also not be subject to capacity payments, even if they coincide with peak demand periods, improving the economic conditions for the deployment of these technologies.
The Economic Operation Committee of the System (COES), Peru’s independent system operator, assumes a central role under this new scheme. It will be responsible for conducting the technical studies that determine the system’s complementary service requirements. The regulation also introduces adjustments related to agent registration, operational transparency and revenue structures.
The decree sets out a roadmap for implementation. MINEM has 120 calendar days to adapt the technical regulations related to real-time operation of interconnected systems. Meanwhile, COES will have up to 180 calendar days to submit to the regulator OSINERGMIN the proposed technical procedures required for the provision of these services.
It is worth noting that the regulation will only enter into force once these technical adjustments are approved, meaning its implementation will be gradual and dependent on the development of complementary rules.
The publication of this regulation comes at a time when Peru’s energy sector is characterised by both high expectations and caution. More than USD 12 billion in renewable energy projects—particularly in solar PV, wind power and other clean technologies—remain on hold, awaiting clearer regulatory signals to move forward.
This situation unfolds alongside political and electoral uncertainty, which has affected the planning of new renewable energy auctions that could resume by 2026. In this context, the Complementary Services Regulation sends an important signal to the market, although its real impact will depend on the pace of implementation and further regulatory developments in the coming months.
Ultimately, the regulation lays the foundations for the creation of a complementary services market in Peru, aimed at enhancing power system reliability and enabling greater integration of renewable energy capacity. Its success will depend on institutional coordination, compliance with regulatory timelines and the sector’s response to this new framework.
