The way in which regulatory changes are implemented also has consequences. The prolonged uncertainty surrounding the regulatory amendments, coupled with the new conditions defined for the sector, led to a slowdown in investments in new projects, the closure of some companies in the segment, and increased market concentration. This effect must be considered when designing future amendments: regulations need to evolve, but they must also provide clear signals, stability, and reasonable timeframes for those making investment decisions.
Reviewing the rules is not only legitimate, but also necessary. However, sound public policy should not evaluate technologies solely based on their most visible and immediate costs. During the regulatory debate, much of the attention focused on the direct costs associated with small-scale distributed generation. Their benefits, on the other hand, received less attention. This is because some costs can be incurred monthly, while advantages such as resilience, competition, regional investment, and reduced dependence on transmission networks are distributed among different stakeholders and materialize over longer periods.
The fact that a benefit is more difficult to measure does not mean it doesn't exist. Balanced regulation must consider both the immediate costs and the value that distributed generation delivers to the system and to users. Chile doesn't have to choose between large-scale and distributed generation. It needs both because they fulfill different and complementary functions within the electricity system.
Once this stage is complete, the priority should be to develop an agenda that allows for better utilization of distributed generation capabilities. One alternative is to facilitate its participation in supply tenders for regulated customers. It is also necessary to review the barriers that hinder the direct delivery of energy to unregulated customers and develop incentive mechanisms in areas where generation close to consumption can generate particularly significant social and operational benefits.
Distributed generation can become a tool for territorial development. Its greatest value emerges precisely where the conventional system faces the greatest difficulties in responding promptly and efficiently.
Modern regulations must be able to recognize the distinct contributions of each generation scale and direct those contributions toward the specific needs of users. The energy transition is not built on a single technology or a single project size. It is built by combining solutions that provide clean energy, security, efficiency, competitiveness, and resilience.