Estimating a National Energy Security Index in Mexico : A Quantitative Approach and Public Policy Implications

The purpose of this article is to analyze Mexico’s national electricity policy over a 30-year period, from 1970 to 2020, through the estimation of a National Energy Security Index (NESI). In doing this, we assess four dimensions: Availability ( AV ), Applicability ( AP ), Acceptability ( AC ), and Affordability ( AF ). The analysis aids into a comprehensive discussion on national electricity security with respect to policy prerogatives over the period of analysis. The results we discuss show that the affordability aspect ( AF ) has a positive and sustained relevance at the national level, regardless of the prevailing national economic model or administration. Conversely, the availability ( AV ) dimension showed downward trend along the period of study, pattern associated to the dependence of oilfield discoveries and the lack of investment in exploration, extraction, and refining of hydrocarbons and the consequent steady increase in imports. We believe these results contribute in that they shed new light on the scope of Mexican electricity policy throughout the period analyzed and provide useful input for the prospective design of policies in the electricity sector