CFE applies ‘summer rate’ electricity discounts in some states

July 6, 2023

air-conditioner in mexico — The discount will likely be a welcome financial respite for residents of northern states this year, where 40 C–45 C weather during a heatwave had air-conditioners running nonstop. (Carlos Lindner/Unsplash)

If you’re worried that higher-than-normal use of your airconditioner during the recent heat wave will result in a higher electricity bill, don’t be — every summer, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) subsidizes electricity in 20 states where the average temperatures surpass 30 degrees Celsius (86 F).

Known as the “summer rate,” the CFE allows residents of the hottest states in the country to access a lower electricity rate during the summer months.

A woman dances in a fountain during a heatwave — Mexico’s recent heatwave had the country trying its hardest to cool down. Even in traditionally cooler states, such as Mexico City, the heat was punishing. But the federal entity doesn’t qualify for the discount. (Graciela López/Cuartoscuro)

The CFE defines the summer period as May to October and the rate can apply for the entirety of the summer, depending on weather conditions — consult directly with CFE to find out which months are covered by the subsidy where you live.

This rate is only applicable to households.

To apply for the subsidy, the electricity connection must be individual in each home. The CFE applies the discount directly, so there’s no need to request it.

Residents of Nuevo León, Sonora, Coahuila, Baja California, Chihuahua, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Colima, San Luis Potosí, Oaxaca, Morelos, Guerrero, Veracruz, Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche y Yucatán are all eligible for the special rate.

The CFE’s summer rate will come as a relief to many after this year’s electricity price increase of 7.1%. Since January, users with a domestic rate pay 0.945 pesos (US $0.05) for the first 75 kilowatt hours (KWh) of consumption, up from 0.882 pesos last year.