The Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM) announced on May 3 that it has set the number of Regulation Hours for the National Interconnected Electric System (SEIN) at seven, through Ministerial Resolution No. 170-2026-MINEM/DM. This measure will be in effect from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2030.
Regulation Hours are a technical parameter used to determine the Firm Power of hydroelectric plants with hourly regulation reservoirs. This indicator helps identify periods when the electric system faces higher operational demands due to increased electricity use and lower availability from renewable sources.
According to MINEM, this adjustment allows hydroelectric plants with reservoirs to optimize water usage by shifting energy production from times of low demand to periods of high consumption—mainly during afternoons and evenings—ensuring a secure and reliable power supply for both citizens and productive activities. The ministry said that setting seven regulation hours resulted from a thorough technical analysis conducted by its Directorate General of Electricity.
Adrián Zapata Sernaqué, director general of Electricity at MINEM, said: “La fijación de las Horas de Regulación en 7 horas para el período 2026–2030 no es una decisión arbitraria, sino el resultado de un análisis técnico sólido, transparente y alineado con la realidad del sistema eléctrico peruano.” He also stated: “Estas centrales permiten almacenar energía en horas de menor demanda y liberarla en los momentos de mayor exigencia, protegiendo así la confiabilidad del suministro eléctrico.” Zapata Sernaqué added: “Desde la Dirección General de Electricidad, reafirmamos nuestro compromiso con una regulación basada en evidencia técnica y orientada al bienestar de los usuarios del servicio eléctrico y a la sostenibilidad del sistema.”
The ministry contributes to social well-being by encouraging harmonious relations among sector participants, communities and the environment according to its official website. It operates under ministerial guidance through central headquarters in San Borja as well as regional directorates across Peru according to its official website. The ministry also promotes sustainable mining and energy development while protecting the environment according to its official website.
By issuing regulations such as this resolution on Regulation Hours, MINEM influences policy guiding sustainable mining and energy practices according to its official website. The ministry serves communities nationwide through national policies implemented via regional operations according to its official website.
