Margen de Reserva Operativo (MRO) Remains Above 10% in National Interconnected System
As summer temperatures rise, so does the demand for electricity. The Mexican power grid, managed by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), has maintained a strong and reliable supply through strategic planning and maintenance.
Key Metrics and Timeline
- Average Margen de Reserva Operativo (MRO) in the Sistema Interconectado Nacional (SIN) is over 10% during this period.
- On June 9, the highest demand of 52,945 MW was met with an MRO of 9.69%.
- Baja California system reached its peak demand of 3,319 MW on June 30 with an MRO of 17.25%.
- Baja California Sur system reached its peak demand with an MRO of 11.82% on an unspecified date.
- Yucatán and Quintana Roo peninsula reached a peak demand of 2,991 MW on May 27 with an MRO of 10.1%.
CFE’s Proactive Measures Ensure Grid Stability
The CFE has implemented several proactive measures to ensure a stable power supply:
- Scheduled Maintenance: Maintenance of power generation facilities is conducted during periods of lower energy consumption, primarily in winter.
- Extensive Maintenance in 2025: By the end of 2025, CFE will have completed 270 maintenance projects, totaling 27,923 MW—more than half of Mexico’s daily energy consumption.
- Strategic Fuel Supply: Adequate fuel supply planning during peak demand periods ensures uninterrupted electricity service.
- Suspension of Risky Operations: Avoiding potentially risky maneuvers during peak hours maintains the reliability of power generation units.
- Additional Generation Capacity: Keeping extra generation capacity in operation beyond the MRO established by CENACE adds up to 7% more electricity generation.
- Restoration of Previously Idle Units: Bringing back previously non-operational units during the summer has increased the MRO.
- New Generation Plant Entries: The upcoming CCC Manzanillo III, Sauz II, and González Ortega plants, along with those planned in the administration’s expansion program, will strengthen the power grid and meet current and future energy demands.
- Grid Strengthening: Enhancing the maintenance program for the General Distribution Network (RGD) and the National Transmission Network (RNT) reduces the risk of failures affecting electricity users.
- Transformer Upgrade: The energization of the Trifásico MPD AT-01 autotransformer in Malpaso Dos Substation, Chiapas, increased transformation capacity in the Southeastern zone of the National Transmission Network.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the Margen de Reserva Operativo (MRO)?
A: MRO is the margin of operational reserve in the National Interconnected System, indicating the amount of spare generation capacity available to maintain grid reliability.
- Q: Why is maintaining MRO important?
A: A higher MRO ensures that the power grid can meet unexpected increases in electricity demand or generation shortfalls, maintaining a stable and reliable supply.
- Q: How does CFE ensure a stable power grid?
A: CFE employs various strategies, including scheduled maintenance, strategic fuel supply planning, and keeping additional generation capacity in operation, to maintain grid stability.
- Q: What are the upcoming projects to strengthen Mexico’s power grid?
A: New generation plants like CCC Manzanillo III, Sauz II, and González Ortega, along with those planned in the administration’s expansion program, will bolster Mexico’s power grid and meet future energy demands.
