The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) finally published the Complementary Services Regulation , one of the most anticipated regulations for the Peruvian electricity sector.
The measure comes after more than a year's delay and marks a turning point for the modernization of the system and the incorporation of technologies such as storage.
The new framework stems from Law No. 32249 published in January 2025, aimed at ensuring a safe, reliable and efficient supply, as well as promoting the diversification of the energy matrix.
In that vein, the regulation defines these services as "those necessary to ensure the transport and supply of electricity from generation to demand , establishing for the first time specific rules for their implementation, operation and administration.
The energy sector had been pointing out the need for a clear regulatory framework for these types of services, since until now they operated without specific definitions within the electricity system.
This lack of regulation had generated uncertainty in investment decision-making, particularly in technologies linked to the flexibility of the system.
Specifically, the decree approves a regulation consisting of seven titles and 44 articles that establishes the regulatory framework for the implementation, operation and administration of complementary services .
The standard recognizes these services as an integral part of the electrical system and incorporates their providers as formal participants in the operation, allowing their integration into the planning and operation of the system.
Furthermore, relevant modifications are introduced to the functioning of the electricity market, by establishing rules for the injection, withdrawal and settlement of energy in the short term , as well as criteria for the allocation and remuneration of these services.
Provisions related to the Electricity Concessions Law Regulations, the Wholesale Electricity Market Regulations, and the COES Regulations are also adjusted, with the aim of integrating these new agents into the system.
One of the main impacts of the regulation is that it creates the necessary regulatory conditions for the development of storage projects, a key technology to accompany the penetration of variable renewable energies.
The regulations incorporate definitions on performance, availability, measurement and verification schemes, fundamental aspects for structuring financially viable business models.
In parallel, the regulation expands the universe of authorized actors, since complementary services may be provided by generators, transmitters, distributors, free users or other agents authorized by MINEM.
This opening allows the participation of new profiles within the electricity system and promotes competition in the provision of these services.
The regulations also introduce structural changes in the Wholesale Electricity Market , enabling the participation of ancillary services in the short-term market.
In this context, suppliers will be able to carry out energy purchase and sale operations during the provision of their services.
Additionally, relevant economic incentives are established, since energy withdrawals intended for the provision of complementary services will be exempt from payment for the use of transmission, distribution systems and other associated charges.
Furthermore, these withdrawals will not be subject to capacity payments, even if they coincide with peak system demand, which improves the economic conditions for the development of these technologies.
The Economic Operation Committee of the System (COES) assumes a central role in this new scheme, as it is responsible for preparing the technical studies that will determine the requirements for complementary services of the electrical system.
In addition, the regulation introduces adjustments to its operation related to the registration of agents, the transparency of operational information and the revenue structure.
The decree also establishes a roadmap for its implementation.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) has a period of 120 calendar days to adapt the technical regulations related to the real-time operation of interconnected systems.
For its part, COES will have up to 180 calendar days to submit to OSINERGMIN the proposal of technical procedures necessary for the provision of these services.
It should be noted that the entry into force of the regulation will be conditional upon the approval of these technical adjustments, which implies that its implementation will be progressive and will depend on the development of complementary regulations.
The publication of this regulation comes in a context where the Peruvian energy sector maintains high expectations, but also caution.
Currently, it is estimated that there are more than USD 12 billion in renewable energy projects on hold , awaiting regulatory definitions and clear signals that will allow them to move forward with their development.
This situation occurs in parallel with a scenario of political and electoral uncertainty , which has impacted the planning of new renewable energy tenders, which could be reactivated around 2026.
In this context, the publication of the Ancillary Services Regulation represents a relevant signal for the market, although its impact will depend on the speed of implementation and the evolution of the regulatory framework in the coming months.
In short, the regulation establishes the basis for the creation of a market for complementary services in Peru, aimed at improving the reliability of the electrical system and facilitating the integration of greater renewable capacity.
Its effective development will be conditioned by institutional coordination, compliance with regulatory deadlines, and the sector's response to this new regulatory environment.