Mexico’s national utilities adapt to climate change

Power generation sources (hydro, thermal, solar, wind) are always affected, although to varying degrees (depending on the energy source as well as the region) by changes in the climate. Taking into account the risk associated with climate changes into project identification, planning and implementation are key components to maximizing resilience. Mexico’s national power utility company, owns all three aspects, generation, transmission and distribution of electricity throughout Mexico. Mexico recently adopted a suite of climate-resilient strategies that especially address the vulnerability of the distribution of equipment to extreme weather changes and natural disasters such as storms, floods and earthquakes.

Actions profiled

The two methods implemented impact resilience in different ways: (1) better communication with National Meteorology Services and establishing disaster contingency plans improve power restoration times, and (2) stronger foundations to distribution equipment such as transformers could enable power services even in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Outcomes

One of the biggest impacts is the reduction in the power restoration times. Improved structure of electric poles can also lead more resilience during extreme weather conditions. Mexico’s national power utility company has also improved resilience of utilities by developing natural disaster contingency plans and enhancing communications with the National Meteorology Services monitoring center, to be able to better serve their populations.