CFE Reports Infrastructure Improvements Amidst Digital Service Complaints

The Mexican Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) recently reported a significant improvement in its operational performance, announcing a 36 percent reduction in power outages compared to 2024. According to Emilia Esther Calleja, the head of the commission, the average time required to restore electrical service has also decreased from 25 hours to seven hours. These figures were presented during a formal appearance before legislators, where officials attributed the progress to specialized operational efforts, equipment replacement, and prioritized maintenance for circuits that historically experienced the highest failure rates.

Despite these reported advancements, Calleja acknowledged that recurring service failures persist in certain regions of the country. Data provided by the commission indicates that between January and August 2026, there were 317,608 recorded power interruptions, representing a 10 percent decrease from the same period in 2025. To address the remaining technical challenges, the CFE has committed to further strengthening its infrastructure maintenance and modernization programs.

The commission also highlighted recent capacity expansions, noting that between February 2025 and May 2026, six combined-cycle power plants were brought into operation. These new facilities represent a combined capacity of 3,204 megawatts and followed a total investment of 52.4 billion pesos. These additions are intended to bolster the national grid's stability and meet the growing energy demands of the country.

While the utility reports progress on the physical grid, it is simultaneously facing criticism regarding its digital customer services. Users have expressed widespread dissatisfaction following a recent update to the CFE mobile application, which removed the direct option for customers to download their electricity bills in PDF format. The updated platform now requires users to request that their billing statements be sent to a registered email address instead of allowing immediate access.

The transition to this new system has been marred by technical difficulties, with many consumers reporting that the request process frequently encounters errors, preventing them from receiving their documents. This issue is reportedly compounded by complaints from users who claim they are no longer receiving physical copies of their bills at their residences. Consequently, many customers are finding it difficult to verify their consumption, confirm payment amounts, or meet their payment deadlines.

The inability to easily access billing documents has raised questions regarding the reliability of the CFE’s digital infrastructure. For many users, the ability to download and store these records is essential for financial record-keeping, verifying charges, and resolving potential billing disputes. As the commission continues its efforts to modernize its physical power grid, the ongoing friction in its digital interface remains a significant point of contention for its customer base.