At Certifica Tu Energía, we have guided numerous companies in Mexico through the process of transitioning their energy supply, achieving remarkable results. From my professional perspective, I made the transition to Qualified Supply and enhanced it with I-RECs. This not only ensures access to certified renewable energy but also improves cost transparency. This approach enabled long-term contracts, ranging from three to five years, eliminating the need to invest in equipment from the outset.
The Wholesale Electricity Market offers the opportunity to negotiate more competitive rates compared to the CFE Basic Supply plan. Our comparison of supply options reveals significant annual savings. In addition, it provides access to portfolios that are 100% renewable. Managers are choosing to incorporate CELs and I-RECs, covering up to 100% of their energy consumption. This provides them with full traceability and access to detailed real-time reports.
Migrating requires completing certain procedures with the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) and the National Energy Control Center (CENACE). It is necessary to register as a Qualified User and arrange for the representation of the assets. The transition also requires making some adjustments to the Load Center, including aspects related to metering and communication. Fortunately, the supplier can offer financing for these upgrades, in addition to providing training on billing and monitoring techniques.
Thanks to suppliers with a strong presence in Mexico—some of whom operate combined-cycle plants and maintain solar farms—it is feasible to reach flexible agreements. These schemes promote decarbonization goals for the year 2030. This strategy allowed me to switch to a Qualified Supply plan and enhance it with I-RECs. I was able to secure competitive rates and ensure support through certified renewable energy, following a clearly defined path.
What is a Qualified Supply in Mexico?
In Mexico, the Qualified Supply program offers large-scale consumers the option to purchase electricity on the Wholesale Electricity Market under clear terms and competitive rates. This option is considered after comparing it with the supply offered by CFE’s Basic Supply program. The primary goals are price stability, traceability, and meeting decarbonization targets.
Definition and key characteristics
A "Qualified Supplier" is any entity that, having been authorized, sells electricity to Qualified Users within the MEM. Eligibility is determined if a Load Center has a demand of 1 MW. This also applies if several load centers, linked by a common legal entity, collectively reach 1 MW and share a location.
This supply includes electricity and a variety of products such as time-of-use and capacity contracts, as well as certificates such as CELs and I-RECs. The contracts, which typically have a term of 3 to 5 years, are based on projected savings compared to CFE rates. Specific suppliers offer fully renewable coverage, fixed rates, and expert market management to maximize savings.
Benefits of a certified supply chain
- There are tangible savings compared to the Basic Plan, including detailed reports and comparisons.
- Transparency in consumption and billing is achieved through real-time measurement platforms.
- Its integration with behind-the-meter solutions and Energy-as-a-Service models facilitates demand optimization.
- It facilitates access to renewable energy portfolios and the use of CELs/I-RECs, aligning with ESG goals and realizing the benefits of Qualified Supply.
- It offers ongoing support, flexible rates, and competitive pricing, backed by a diverse mix of generation sources, including combined-cycle and solar power.
Migration process to qualified supply
The transition begins with a technical assessment, followed by a financial and legal proposal. The next phase involves signing the contract and registering as a Qualified User with the CRE, as well as registering assets with CENACE.
Necessary upgrades to the Load Center will include the installation of modern meters and communication systems. Financing options are available. The supplier acts as the representative before CENACE and coordinates incident reports and settlements with CFE. This process ensures operational continuity and regulatory compliance within the MEM.
| Criterion | Qualified Supply | Basic Service (CFE) |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Structure | Customized, with competitive rates and coverage options | Regulated, less flexibility |
| Contractual Term | 3–5 years with fixed-rate options | To be determined based on current rates |
| Energy traceability | Available CELs and I-RECs | Limited to the system mix |
| Risk Management | Purchasing Strategy and Power Blocks | No custom coverage |
| Transparency and Data | Real-time measurement and savings reports | Standard information on the invoice |
| Claim requirements | At least 1 MW per facility or corporate total | No minimum threshold |
A thorough evaluation of supply options is crucial. This validates the benefits of Qualified Supply. It also outlines the steps in the migration process, from consumption analysis to staff training on operations and billing.
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Clean Energy Certificates and I-RECs
Decarbonization in Mexico is accelerating through tools that certify the use of renewable energy. For industrial and commercial sectors, this transition to clean energy sources facilitates the generation of accurate and comparable reports. By adopting Suministro Calificado, I came to understand the importance of renewable energy certificates in aligning ESG goals with verifiable data.
What are I-RECs?
I-RECs are a global initiative for International Renewable Energy Certificates. They document energy production from sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power in various regions. Each certificate represents 1 MWh and guarantees fully verified, traceable consumption.
By using I-RECs, a company can offset up to 100% of its energy demand with clean energy. This process validates the renewable origin of its energy consumption to customers and external auditors. It also simplifies international procurement operations and helps corporations with global operations meet their carbon reduction targets.
The Importance of Clean Energy Certificates
In the Mexican context, Clean Energy Certificates verify that energy production comes from non-polluting sources. They also help Qualified Users meet specific criteria established by the Ministry of Energy. Combining CELs with I-RECs allows for the alignment of regulatory obligations with voluntary sustainability initiatives.
Companies can thus demonstrate reductions in their emissions through internationally accepted protocols. This strengthens the company’s ESG narrative. Renewable energy certificates reinforce sustainability initiatives in the supply chain, in responsible procurement, and in communications with investors.
Benefits of Partnering with Certifica Tu Energía
Partnering with Certifica Tu Energía means advancing decarbonization goals through access to certified renewable energy. Additionally, you gain access to renewable energy certificates and the benefits of the Qualified Supply program. This partnership ensures traceability, along with transparent pricing and competitive rates, tailored to commercial and industrial users in Mexico.
Steps for a successful migration
The migration process requires a carefully crafted plan and a detailed technical strategy from the outset. It is necessary to balance costs, risks, and environmental sustainability goals. For those who have already migrated to Qualified Supply, it is essential to define the scope of renewable energy sources and secure competitive rates from the start.
Process for Obtaining I-RECs
Through our partnership with Certifica Tu Energía, we plan the purchase of I-RECs based on energy consumption. We coordinate the acquisition, redemption, and reconciliation of these certificates, supplementing them with CELs when required by regulations. In addition, we structure coverage using both domestic and international certificates to achieve a 100% renewable energy profile if necessary.
Our services in Mexico are:
Sale of Clean Energy Certificates, Carbon Credits, Qualified Supply, and PPAs