1. The law: self-consumption is on-site generation from 0.7 MW
The Electricity Sector Law defines self-consumption in Article 30. The CNE provisions summarize it as follows (our translation):
“Self-consumption is the production of a Power Plant with a capacity equal to or greater than 0.7 MW that is intended to meet the on-site needs of the holder of a valid generation permit, and that may be carried out in isolated or interconnected form, preferably with renewable energy.”
CNE general administrative provisions on self-consumption (DOF, Mexico’s Official Gazette, December 12, 2025)
2. Isolated or grid-connected: the difference is the grid connection
| Isolated | Grid-connected | |
|---|---|---|
| Grid connection | No. The plant is not connected to the National Transmission Grid or the General Distribution Networks | Yes, it connects to the grid |
| Where the energy goes | All output is consumed on site, within the Private Network | Consumed on site. Surplus can be exported to the grid. |
| Surplus | None | Delivered without compensation, or sold if the conditions of Article 32 are met (including a valid generation permit and interconnection contract) |
| Legal basis | Article 31, Electricity Sector Law | Article 32, Electricity Sector Law |
An isolated self-consumption permit can later be changed to grid-connected if the plant will inject surplus energy (Article 55 of the Regulations).
3. Abasto aislado is now assessed as self-consumption
Abasto aislado (isolated supply) was the equivalent category under the Electricity Industry Law. That law was repealed on March 18, 2025, and the Electricity Sector Law replaced abasto aislado with self-consumption. A former abasto aislado project is now assessed as self-consumption.
4. Which permits do I need?
- From 0.7 MW: a generation permit from the CNE, in both modes.
- From 0.7 to 20 MW, isolated or grid-connected: the Self-Consumption One-Stop Shop (Ventanilla Única de Autoconsumo) coordinates the filings. The CNE rules on the generation permit within a maximum of 30 business days.
- Grid-connected, 0.7 to 20 MW: simplified procedure.
- Isolated, up to 20 MW: exempt from the Energy Sector Social Impact Statement (Article 54 of the Regulations).
- BESS associated with your plant: no storage permit is required if the energy is used only at your plant. See the BESS permit guide
ENEGRIN handles the filings with the CNE and CENACE, Mexico’s grid operator.
5. How does it fit with cogeneration and BESS?
An ENEGRIN cogeneration or gas-fired plant of 1 MW or more on your site is self-consumption. If your process uses steam, hot water or cooling, we recover the engines’ heat and it is cogeneration. If not, it is on-site gas generation.
We prefer isolated self-consumption: a private electrical network for your plant, with power quality guaranteed by contract. The integrated BESS keeps the engines close to maximum efficiency. CFE or a qualified supplier remains as backup if you require it.
If your plant draws 1 MW or more and has access to gas, let’s talk.
Sources
- CNE, general administrative provisions on self-consumption, DOF Dec 12, 2025 (includes Articles 30, 31 and 32 of the Electricity Sector Law).
- Regulations of the Electricity Sector Law, DOF Oct 3, 2025, Articles 50, 53, 54 and 55.
- Electricity Sector Law, DOF Mar 18, 2025 (repeals the Electricity Industry Law).
- SENER, Guidelines for the Self-Consumption One-Stop Shop, DOF May 8, 2026, section 7.
- CNE, provisions on energy storage, DOF Apr 16, 2026.