Through Decree 452/2025, the national government has formalized the creation of the National Regulatory Agency for Gas and Electricity, an entity that will replace the current ENARGAS and ENRE and will operate under the jurisdiction of the Secretariat of Energy of the Ministry of Economy.
The measure was signed by President Javier Milei, Chief of Cabinet Guillermo Francos, and Minister of Economy Luis Caputo, and aims to simplify regulatory structures, reduce costs, and adapt the institutional framework to international standards.
A new regulator with expanded powers
The new agency must begin operations within a maximum period of 180 days. Its creation is based on Article 161 of Law 27,742, which authorized the Executive to issue regulations to reorganize the regulatory agencies for natural gas and electricity.
The new entity will absorb all functions and powers of ENARGAS and ENRE, including oversight, advising the Executive Branch, preparing the annual budget, and imposing sanctions within the respective regulatory frameworks. It will have autonomy, functional and budgetary independence, and the capacity to act in both public and private law.
Structure and appointment of the board
The board will be composed of five members, appointed by the Executive Branch from among individuals with technical training and experience in the energy sector. The positions will last five years, with the possibility of unlimited renewal, and there will be staggered terminations to ensure institutional continuity.
The Secretariat of Energy will be responsible for the selection process, and must submit the proposal within 15 days. Prior to each appointment or removal, the Executive must submit the grounds to a congressional committee, which will have 30 days to issue a non-binding opinion.
