Houston November 2017 Luncheon

"Electricity Reform in Mexico: Where We Are and What Is Coming?"

Mexico continues to move forward with the reforms to its electric power markets. Most recently, our speaker Derek Woodhouse has advised the Energy Ministry on the drafting of the Geothermal Energy Law and Regulations, the implementation of the Wholesale Electricity Market and the restructuring of the National Electricity Commission (CFE).  Derek’s presentation will cover the market rules - what has been published, what is still in consultation and what is still missing, an update on the short-term market, the status of the third long term auction and the first mid-term auction, and private participation in transmission expansion.

During the last twenty years, Derek Woodhouse has provided legal advice in many projects with one common denominator: private sector participation in infrastructure projects traditionally reserved to the public sector. His experience incorporates a broad spectrum of activities, including the conceptual design of structural reforms; the drafting of legislation and regulations; the design and drafting of concessions, licenses, permits and contracts; the design and implementation of procedures for the granting of contracts, concessions, licenses and permits; the drafting and negotiation of the legal instruments necessary for financing infrastructure projects; and day to day revision and legal operation of ongoing projects.

Derek is a partner of Woodhouse, Lorente Ludlow, S.C., and head of the Energy and Infrastructure practice. Previously, he was the head of the Energy, Infrastructure and Project Finance practice at Chadbourne & Parke, S.C., in Mexico City, and before that, he worked for five years in CMS Cameron McKenna LLP, based in London, United Kingdom, advising governments and private companies on the design, financing and development of energy and infrastructure projects in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Russia, Turkey, Romania, Hungary, Angola, Cambodia, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Mexico and Central America. Prior to working in CMS Cameron McKenna, Derek worked for the Mexican Federal Government for eight years. 
Derek has advised the Mexican Federal Government on the adoption and implementation of the PFI in Mexico, known as PPS (projects for the provision of services), as well as many state governments on passing new PPP legislation and implementing pathfinder projects. He has also advised the World Bank, the IADB and various lenders and sponsors on the promotion, procurement, financing and implementation of PPP policies and projects. Most recently Derek has advised the Energy Ministry on the drafting of the Geothermal Energy Law and Regulations, the implementation of the Wholesale Electricity Market and the restructuring of the National Electricity Commission (CFE).