Energy infrastructure weathers Mexico quake

Following a deadly earthquake that struck 150 kilometres south of Mexico City on Tuesday, energy infrastructure in the region is nearly functioning at capacity, international media reported Wednesday.

The National Electrical System was knocked out in several areas of the states of Mexico, Morelos, Puebla and Oaxaca, leaving 4.8 million commercial and residential users without electricity. According to the National Centre for Energy Control, known as Cenace, the national grid saw a drop in power demand of around 3 GW following the 7.1-magnitude quake.

Less than 19 hours after the event, Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission had restored power to 92% of users who had experienced power outages and continued its efforts to reconnect the thousands still lacking electricity.

Meanwhile, other sectors endured the natural disaster with minimal to no damage. As of Thursday, no major gas pipeline damage has been reported and the National Integrated Gas Transportation and Storage System has remained fully operational.

Mexican NOC Pemex issued a statement Wednesday urging people not to stock up on fuel supplies, as no damage to its distribution and retail infrastructure had been sustained and the company anticipated being able to meet normal petrol and diesel demand.