how power is distributed in mexico
In Mexico, power distribution is a complex process mainly carried out by the state - owned Federal
Electricity Commission (CFE). Here is a detailed introduction:
- **Power Generation**: In 2022, Mexico's power generation was 334.5 billion kWh. The power generation
structure is dominated by traditional energy sources, which account for about 80%. Natural gas - fired power
generation is the main source of power supply, accounting for 54.8% in 2022. In recent years, renewable
energy sources such as wind and photovoltaic power have developed rapidly. The compound annual growth
rate (CAGR) of wind and photovoltaic power generation from 2010 to 2022 reached 26.21% and 64% respectively.
- **Power Transmission**: Mexico's National Power System (SEN) is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere,
consisting of nine regions and a binational electricity system in Baja California. Most of the nine regions are
interconnected to form the National Interconnected System (SIN). The Baja California system operates in the
western interconnection of the United States and is overseen by the Western Electricity Coordinating Council
(WECC). The CFE is responsible for operating the national grid, which includes 150 - 400 kV transmission lines
with a total length of 32,200 km and 6.6 - 138 kV secondary transmission and distribution lines with a total length
of 541,672 km.
- **Power Distribution**: Power distribution in Mexico is a public service provided by CFE Distribución, a subsidiary
of CFE. Although power transmission and distribution activities are state - owned, the state can enter into agreements
with private parties to finance, install, operate, maintain, and expand the infrastructure. The Mexican government
has recently launched the "2025 - 2030 Plan for Strengthening and Expanding the National Power System", which
allocates $3.6 billion for the electrification of communities not yet connected to the grid, aiming to achieve a 99.99%
power coverage in Mexico by 2030.
- **Market Regulation**: According to Mexico's constitution and the Electricity Industry Law, the transmission and
distribution segments of the power industry are state - owned, while the generation, commercialization, and supply
segments are in theory fully liberalized, with a combination of state and private participation. The Energy Regulatory
Commission (CRE) is responsible for regulating the power industry, including approving the transfer of power
generation and commercialization permits and overseeing the operation of the wholesale electricity market. The
electricity system operator, Centro Nacional de Control de Energía (CENACE), is responsible for operating the
wholesale electricity market and ensuring the balance of power supply and demand.