In a tumultuous world full of uncertainty in energy supply, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador implemented an energy counter-reform, now underway with President Claudia Sheinbaum and the recent publication of secondary laws. The goal is to lead Mexico to self-sufficiency, focusing on energy security.
The energy reform of Enrique Peña Nieto, which lasted 11 years, aimed to position Mexico as a first-world nation with investment opportunities for the private sector. However, geopolitics has shown that supply security is crucial. In this context, Pemex, now led by Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, can directly choose its partners for projects, reflecting a global trend.
The creation of the National Energy Commission (CNE) will merge the powers of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) and part of the National Hydrocarbons Commission (CNH), concentrating sector supervision in a single body. This restructuring aims to boost energy security and prevent past abuses in the sector.
On another front, Concanaco-Servytur faces tensions arising from disputes between its president, Octavio de la Torre de Steffano, and the leader of the Business Coordinating Council, Francisco Cervantes. Three local organizations are at risk of leaving the organization, which could have disastrous effects on the national private sector, especially in a challenging international context.
For its part, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) under Emilia Calleja Alor will also experience changes. The new framework for the energy sector in Mexico prioritizes energy security and government supervision in the permitting and procedures process of the industry. Although it seeks to reduce expenses, this new structure is expected to ensure better control and equity in the sector.
Despite the reforms, tensions with the United States government and the USMCA could resurface on this issue. The CNE, even in formation, is expected to play a key role in the supervision and direction of the Mexican energy sector.
