Mexico: The CNE strengthens the interconnection and connection agreement by imposing greater planning and coordination requirements on applicants and authorities of the electrical system

Through a preliminary draft resolution, the National Energy Commission (CNE) updates the agreement model for electrical interconnection and connection, incorporating new rules on deadlines, extensions and coordination with authorities.

On March 2, 2026, the “Preliminary draft Resolution by which the National Energy Commission issues the Model Agreement for the Interconnection, Connection, or both to the National Transmission Grid or the General Distribution Grids for Power Plants, Electric Energy Storage Systems, and Load Centers” was issued. Through this preliminary draft resolution, the National Energy Commission (CNE) seeks to exercise the authority granted to it under the legal framework, in accordance with the principles set forth in the Electricity Sector Law, with the purpose of ensuring coverage and security of electric supply and contributing to energy policy purposes. It also aims to adjust the model agreement to the current legal framework, simplify its scope, and allow for its digitalization.

Any modifications implying changes to the model agreement shall be approved by the CNE prior to its execution. Accordingly, it is effectively an adhesion agreement.

We found several changes in the agreement model compared to the previous one. Below, we include only the main clauses to highlight.

• The agreement may be terminated due to:(i) breach by the applicant with respect to the estimated start and completion dates of the infrastructure required for the interconnection or connection, if such delay exceeds a maximum period of six additional months as of the original date or the extension authorized by the competent authorities; (ii) due to breach by the applicant of the estimated date of operation; and (iii) if the applicant decides not to construct the infrastructure required in the facilities study, or fails to complete such infrastructure by the estimated date of operation.
• If the applicant requires an extension longer than six months regarding the start and completion dates of the infrastructure required for the interconnection or connection, and the estimated date of operation of the power plant, electric energy storage system, or load center, such extension shall be processed in accordance with the applicable regulations by requesting a modification to the generation/storage permit before the CNE, or the corresponding extension for the load center from the National Center for Energy Control (CENACE). Likewise, validation of the previously issued studies shall be requested for the purpose of obtaining the corresponding extension.
• If the applicant identifies delays in the work plan for construction of the facilities associated with the transmission or distribution utility, it shall notify the CNE and CENACE, attaching conclusive evidence supporting this fact, for the coordination and actions deemed appropriate.

The preliminary draft resolution does not create new bureaucratic costs, as it constitutes an update to the existing model agreement and does not establish new obligations, but rather refers to those set forth in the applicable regulations. Therefore, it is exempt from regulatory impact assessment requirements, and its publication in the Federal Official Gazette is expected shortly for purposes of its entry into force.