After the effects of Cold Front No. 24, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) has successfully restored electrical supply to 258,709 out of 263,527 affected users, achieving a recovery rate of 98%. The rapid restoration efforts, undertaken by CFE personnel and supported by local and federal authorities, demonstrate the agency's commitment to addressing the impacts of adverse weather conditions across multiple Mexican states.
The severe weather brought about by the cold front has led to power outages affecting services across Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Baja California, Puebla, Veracruz, and Tabasco. CFE detailed the situation, indicating the power disruptions represented roughly 2.5% of their total customer base across these regions.
Reportedly, Baja California had the most significant impact, with 98,176 users affected, but all have since had their power restored. Tamaulipas experienced outages for 84,486 users, with 98% of those now back online. Similarly, 66,206 users lost power in Veracruz, where 96% have been successfully reconnected, followed by full restoration for the 7,251 users impacted in Puebla, 5,562 users in Tabasco, and the 1,846 users affected in San Luis Potosí.
Emilia Esther Calleja Alor, CFE’s Director General, coordinated extensive restoration efforts which involved 512 electricians, 98 cranes, and 135 light vehicles. The deployment targeted vulnerable areas to efficiently restore services and mitigate safety risks posed by the cold front.
"The CFE will continue restoration activities until we achieve 100% recovery of service for all affected users due to the cold front," said Calleja Alor, emphasizing the importance of rapid response to natural disasters. The agency remains committed to reinforcing infrastructure to withstand such adverse weather events more effectively.
The electricity outages were reportedly exacerbated by high winds, intense rain, and snowfall, leading to downed power poles and damaged power lines. CFE officials are now undertaking permanent repairs to strengthen the electrical infrastructure against future cold fronts and similar disruptions.
Meanwhile, local governments and organizations, including the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional and the Secretaría de Marina, have worked alongside CFE to facilitate the restoration process, ensuring community safety and support. CFE is also working closely with the National Water Commission and state health services to address related public needs during this trying time.
Overall, as of the latest updates, CFE successfully restored power to most regions and continues to monitor and manage recovery efforts. They're bolstered by regional support networks focused on ensuring public wellbeing and infrastructure resilience.
With unpredictable weather becoming increasingly frequent, CFE is employing proactive measures to mitigate risks to services, underscoring the significance of such collaborations during national emergencies and environmental challenges. Their holistic strategy integrates immediate response efforts with long-term infrastructure improvement plans.
The concerted and strategic recovery initiatives of the CFE not only highlight the agency’s operational competence but also reflect its priority of customer service and community safety during extreme weather incidents.