MEXICAN ELECTRIC END-USE EFFICIENCY: Experiences to Date

Mexican government energy-efficiency programs since 1989 are reviewed to provide guidelines for other developing countries.

Energy-efficiency efforts must be multifaceted, flexible, and emphasize evaluation to allow learning-while-doing. Including the private sector incorporates their marketing expertise and accelerates a mature energy-efficiency market. Foreigners provide support and ideas, and serve as catalysts.

Initially, efforts can focus on creating an awareness of energy efficiency's benefits and potential, and support the evolution of an energy-efficiency infrastructure. Establishing institutions to coordinate government actions and others to finance implementation may be appropriate. Institutional effectiveness is enhanced by stipulating goals and mandates, and by providing adequate and secure budgets and staff. Marketing of efficient technologies succeeded when incentives were combined with financing. Minimum energy-efficiency standards for appliances were introduced quickly, but enforcement has been harder. Mexican programs under way are expected to save 8 TWh and 1.4 GW by the year 2000.