USTDA Supports Smart Grid Implementation Efforts in Mexico

June 26, 2012

(USTDA) MEXICO CITY – Today, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) awarded a $405,000 grant to the Comisión Reguladora de Energía (CRE) to support the development of a regulatory framework for smart grid implementation in Mexico. The grant was signed at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City by CRE Chairman Francisco Xavier Salazar Diez de Sollano and USTDA Country Manager Keith Eischeid.

Mexico plans to invest billions of dollars in this effort over the next decade to improve electricity stability and reliability, while supporting the integration of additional renewable energy resources. The USTDA technical assistance will outline the key components of a regulatory framework necessary to support smart grid deployment in Mexico.

"This is a perfect example of how our two governments are working together to invest in a 21st century clean energy economy," U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Anthony Wayne said. "Our commitment to smart grid technology, which supports the Administration's Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas and the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change, will also create opportunities to develop a highly innovative sector of the economy on both sides of the border."

Mr. Eischeid added, "U.S. firms have considerable expertise in this area, and this project will pave the way for significant opportunities for collaboration between Mexico and U.S. companies."

CRE has identified ESTA International, LLC (Great Falls, VA) as the U.S. contractor for the technical assistance, who will share the cost of the technical assistance program.

The technical assistance grant awarded today complements USTDA's upcoming Mexico smart grid reverse trade mission, which will take place on August 12-18, 2012. The reverse trade mission will familiarize Mexican regulatory and power utility company representatives with the U.S. smart grid regulatory environment and advanced U.S. smart grid technologies and equipment.

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