CFE Discovers Illegal Power Connections Feeding 70 Vendors Outside Tulum City Hall

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Workers from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) detected and removed illegal power connections — known locally as “diablitos” — that were supplying electricity to more than 70 semi-permanent and street vendors operating in front of the Tulum Municipal Palace.

The operation was carried out by CFE personnel brought in from Mérida, Yucatán. According to officials, the unauthorized hookups had been active in one of the municipality’s busiest and most visible areas, raising questions about possible oversight failures by local authorities. The connections reportedly had been in place for an extended period without being detected or reported.

The CFE warned that such installations pose risks to both the electrical grid and public safety, as they can cause overloads, short circuits, and accidents. The utility also noted that electricity theft results in financial losses for the company and affects the quality of power supply for paying customers.

Following the removal of the illegal connections, the CFE said it would continue inspections across the municipality to locate and eliminate other clandestine taps as part of broader efforts to combat energy theft and ensure safe service.

The discovery has sparked debate about the monitoring of public spaces and regulation of street vendors, as well as the need to investigate how the illegal connections operated for so long in the immediate vicinity of the municipal government headquarters and to determine any corresponding responsibilities.