The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) has launched a national house-to-house operation called "Casa por Casa" to modernize its electrical infrastructure, which aims to replace outdated analog meters with advanced digital meters equipped with AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) technology. This initiative is part of the CFE's broader strategy to combat energy theft, detect irregular connections, and ensure accurate billing for millions of Mexicans relying on electricity in their homes and businesses.
As of April 21, 2025, the CFE has already begun these operations in various municipalities of the State of Mexico and plans to continue throughout the month. The primary focus is on the installation of smart meters that allow for automatic readings and greater accuracy in billing, as well as the early detection of failures or irregularities in the electrical supply.
During these visits, CFE brigades will not only install new meters but also check for unusual consumption patterns and verify any possible illegal connections commonly referred to as "diablitos." These devices, which alter the functioning of the meter to record less consumption, can lead to severe penalties, including fines of up to 1000 days of minimum wage, which translates to nearly 300,000 pesos, and potential prison sentences of up to 10 years under article 368 of the Federal Penal Code.
To avoid falling victim to these severe penalties, the CFE urges users to take precautionary measures. The agency has outlined four essential steps to help consumers navigate the upcoming inspections and avoid sanctions. First, users should ensure that their electrical installations are in order. This includes checking that meters are sealed without signs of tampering and avoiding any unauthorized connections. If in doubt, hiring a certified electrician for an inspection is recommended.
Second, keeping payments up to date and retaining receipts is crucial. Accumulated debts or overdue payments can lead to service interruptions or the involvement of CFE teams during operations. Users can check their payment history through the CFE Contigo app or the official website, and it is advisable to keep payment receipts, especially when paying at convenience stores.
Third, consumers should not prevent CFE personnel from accessing their properties during these operations. Inspectors may need to enter homes to assess the condition of the electrical service. To ensure safety, users should confirm that inspectors are in uniform and carry official credentials. If they request entry, consumers should ask for a work order number linked to their address, which can be verified by calling the CFE customer service number.
Finally, if users notice any irregularities with their meters or installations, it is best to report these issues proactively before the CFE detects them. This can be done by calling the customer service number 071 or through the official app, documenting any anomalies with photos and dates to support their claims.
The CFE emphasizes that its personnel are not authorized to accept any payments during home visits. Any request for cash or transfers should be reported immediately to the authorities. Proper identification of CFE staff is essential; they must wear official uniforms, carry identification cards with their names and employee numbers, and drive vehicles marked with CFE logos.
As the CFE continues its modernization efforts, users may wonder about the implications of these changes. The new smart meters, which have been gradually installed since 2016 in various regions including Mexico City, Querétaro, and Zacatecas, offer several benefits. They provide remote readings, enabling the CFE to monitor electricity consumption without needing to send technicians to each home. This not only streamlines operations but also enhances billing accuracy and helps detect energy theft more effectively.
Moreover, the technology allows for real-time monitoring of consumption patterns, providing users with better insights into their electricity use, which can ultimately help them manage their bills more efficiently. The CFE is legally empowered to replace meters that do not meet current standards or show signs of tampering, wear, or measurement errors, ensuring that the integrity of the electrical system is maintained.
The CFE's initiative has raised questions among users about whether they can be compelled to change their meters. The answer is yes; the CFE has the authority to enforce these changes to improve the national electrical system's efficiency and reliability. However, this process does not incur any costs for users unless there is evidence of meter tampering or misuse.
In summary, the CFE's "Casa por Casa" operation is a significant step towards modernizing Mexico's electrical infrastructure. By replacing outdated meters with smart technology, the agency aims to enhance service delivery while combating energy theft and ensuring fair billing practices. Users are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for these visits to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential penalties.
As the CFE rolls out this initiative, the emphasis on transparency and customer engagement remains paramount. Users are reminded to verify the identity of CFE personnel and report any suspicious activity to safeguard their rights and interests. The future of electricity management in Mexico is evolving, and with it comes the responsibility of consumers to adapt and comply with new regulations.
