Chile surpasses 3100 MW of BESS amid peak control that generators warn could become outdated

Chile reached 3,125 MW and 13,555 MWh of operational energy storage by the end of September 2026 , practically double the capacity recorded at the end of last year. However, the growth of battery storage raises questions about the ability of regulatory instruments to support the transformation of the electricity system, a discussion that Generadoras de Chile brought before the National Energy Commission (CNE) during the recent review of peak pricing controls.

“ We are raising a fundamental question: whether traditional peak control mechanisms continue to provide efficient signals for a system whose demand, generation, and storage availability change significantly over time ,” said Camilo Charme , executive director of Generadoras de Chile, in an interview with Energía Estratégica .

The controversy arose after the National Energy Commission (CNE) approved, through Exempt Resolution No. 513 of September 17, the preliminary technical report on the methodology for determining peak demand control periods. The public comment period concluded on October 29, allowing stakeholders in the sector to submit proposals regarding the criteria used to identify periods of peak electricity demand.

In that context, Generadoras requested the incorporation of a better representation of critical scenarios, operational restrictions, effective availability of resources and demand response , in addition to strengthening the transparency of the indicators used.

“ Beyond perfecting the current methodology, we propose evaluating alternatives that link economic signals with the actual risks of insufficiency, considering consumer behavior and the expected evolution of the system ,” Charme said.

More than 8000 MW of BESS are progressing between testing and construction

The growth of energy storage infrastructure is far from slowing down. According to the latest statistics from the Chilean Renewable Energy and Storage Association (ACERA) , Chile has 3,017 MW of battery storage capacity undergoing testing and another 5,130 MW under construction , representing more than 8,100 MW in various stages prior to commercial operation.

The prominence of this technology is also reflected in its energy contribution. During September, BESS systems injected 584 GWh into the National Electric System , equivalent to 7.9% of the injections recorded by technology and 216.3% more than in the same month of 2025.

However, the increase in installed capacity still faces significant limitations in harnessing renewable energy generation. Between January and September, solar and wind power curtailments totaled 3,546 GWh , although this represents a year-on-year decrease of 4.6%. This situation demonstrates that battery availability alone does not solve the infrastructure and operational problems of the grid.

In addition to the technical challenges, new economic pressures are emerging. During the Future Energy Summit Chile 2026 , representatives from Atlas Renewable Energy and DNV warned that increasing competition among BESS projects is reducing energy arbitrage margins and leading financial institutions to demand more rigorous profitability assessments.

This scenario broadens the discussion on how to remunerate the services that batteries can provide, beyond simply transferring energy between schedules. Power availability, discharge duration, and contingency response become relevant for evaluating their effective contribution to the security and sufficiency of supply —two aspects that Generadoras de Chile considers necessary to incorporate into future economic signals.

Power generators demand changes in dispatch and remuneration

In this context, the association is also working on determining the opportunity cost of storage, its operational scheduling, and price formation. These proposals are part of a wholesale market reform agenda that goes beyond the specific review of peak pricing controls.

“ Chile must gradually move towards a competitive bidding market, incorporating pre-day and intraday trading mechanisms, where different agents can reveal the value of their resources and properly manage their risks ,” Charme said.

Currently, the National Electric Coordinator manages dispatch under a cost-based scheme. The evolution proposed by the industry association would involve introducing additional commercial tools to recognize the value of available resources over different time horizons, with requirements for transparency and competition oversight.

The initiative is part of ongoing work that Generadoras has been developing in conjunction with the authorities. On September 5 , the organization submitted technical studies to the CNE (National Energy Commission) on energy storage, security, grid robustness, and complementary services, in addition to sharing updates on its proposals for bidding markets.

Among the short-term priorities is the updating of the Technical Standard for Coordination and Operation , a process for which the authority appointed a Special Advisory Committee in September. The discussion includes aspects related to the integration of new technologies and the efficiency of the services necessary to maintain electrical stability.

According to the industry, the modifications must take into account the conditions that the country will face in the coming years, anticipating both the required investments and the availability of essential capabilities to respond to contingencies.

“ It is not enough to verify that the current mechanisms function under known conditions. We must assess how they will respond to the future configuration of the system, anticipating the capabilities, investments, and adjustments necessary to maintain a safe and reliable supply ,” Charme concluded.