U.S. signs infrastructure deal to link electricity grid with Mexico
by The Associated Press
Framework agreement aims to integrate Mexico into cross-border electricity market that already includes U.S. and Canada
If the preliminary deal progresses, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation could eventually oversee the bulk power system in all three countries
MEXICO CITY—U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz was in Mexico Jan. 7 to sign a framework agreement on principles aimed at building the kind of cross-border electricity market with Mexico that the United States already has with Canada.
Moniz said the potential for a mutually beneficial relationship is there. Wind turbines in Mexico’s Baja California peninsula have already sent some power to U.S. markets.
“Mexico has excellent renewable resources, and on the southern (U.S.) border, those states all have ambitious renewable targets,” he said.
Mexico has also started relying on imports of U.S. natural gas to run cleaner electrical generation plants.
“You’ll probably see more renewables flowing north … and more gas flowing south,” Moniz said.
Mexican Energy Department officials said the new framework would be overseen or implemented by the NERC, The North American Electric Reliability Corporation.
The NERC is a non-profit international regulatory authority that focuses on maintaining the reliability and security of the bulk power system in North America.
