Hermosillo Water Operator to Run on Solar Power

Hermosillo has become the first municipality in Mexico where the local water operator will be supplied with solar energy. This initiative is expected to result in a 20% reduction in electricity consumption and estimated annual savings of up to MX$30 million (US$1.6 billion). Mayor Antonio Astiazarán announced the details of the transition for Agua de Hermosillo, the municipal water operator.

Astiazarán explained that the city's water operator will purchase clean energy from a qualified supplier other than CFE. On Aug. 1, the National Center for Energy Control (CENACE) notified the city that it had formally begun commercial operations in the wholesale electricity market. "This contract also implies that the energy is mostly clean and renewable, which signifies a great step toward energy independence and the reduction of the use of fossil fuels," added the mayor.

After four years of technical procedures, dealings with the National Energy Commission (CNE), coordination with CENACE, and a public bidding process, the City of Hermosillo was officially notified as a buyer of renewable energy from Ric Energy México. Astiazarán Gutiérrez stated that Hermosillo is the only municipal water operator currently operating in the wholesale electricity market.

The mayor recognized the work of Agua de Hermosillo and its Director General, Renato Ulloa, along with the Municipal Agency for Energy and Climate Change (AMECC), which provided support throughout the process.