Mexico’s National Energy Commission (CNE) has issued a new standard contract governing the interconnection and connection of power plants, energy storage systems and load centres to the National Electric System.
The measure was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation on 17 March 2026 and is intended to modernise the regulatory framework of Mexico’s power sector while simplifying grid-connection procedures.
The document defines the contractual terms under which facilities may connect to the National Transmission Network and the General Distribution Networks, and clarifies the responsibilities of the parties involved in the interconnection process.
Under this scheme, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) — Mexico’s state-owned utility acting as transmission or distribution operator — participates alongside project developers seeking to connect electricity generation, energy storage or consumption facilities.
The resolution also clarifies that distributed generation projects with a capacity below 0.7 MW will not be required to sign this contract.
Instead, these projects must comply with the contractual model established in the General Administrative Provisions for Distributed Generation. According to the CNE, this distinction aims to provide greater regulatory clarity and organisation for the electricity sector.
In practical terms, the new model legally standardises the base contractual instrument required to access Mexico’s National Electric System.
This agreement effectively acts as the enabling contract for electricity projects, as grid synchronisation and the start of commercial operations cannot take place without its formal execution.
As a result, the contract becomes a central regulatory compliance tool within the Mexican electricity system.
Key features of the new contractual framework
The updated model introduces several structural changes aimed at strengthening regulatory certainty while aligning project development with national grid planning.
Main elements include:
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Mandatory standardisation of the contract
A single contractual template will apply to power plants, energy storage systems and load centres. This uniformity aims to increase legal certainty for developers, although it may reduce room for structural negotiation within project agreements. -
Stronger operational role for CENACE
The execution of the contract is now contingent upon instructions from the National Centre for Energy Control (CENACE), the independent system operator responsible for grid coordination. This reinforces the binding nature of national electricity planning. -
Formal integration of energy storage
Energy storage systems are explicitly recognised as contractual entities within the framework. This opens the door to hybrid renewable energy projects, such as solar PV combined with battery storage, as well as other flexibility solutions providing ancillary services to the grid. -
Greater obligations for project developers
Developers will face stricter responsibilities regarding infrastructure development, project guarantees and compliance with construction and commissioning timelines. These requirements could affect project risk allocation and bankability. -
Strategic importance of the interconnection point
The regulation strengthens the concept of the grid interconnection point as a critical factor in the technical and financial structuring of electricity projects.
From a public policy perspective, the updated contractual framework reflects a broader shift towards more centralised energy planning in Mexico.
Under this approach, private investment in power generation, energy storage and electricity demand projects will increasingly operate within technical parameters defined by the national electricity system’s planning process.
This model seeks to ensure grid stability and coordinated expansion of infrastructure while maintaining space for private participation in the country’s evolving energy market.
