CFE Replaces Traditional Meters with Smart Ones Nationwide

Mexico — The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has initiated a nationwide operation to replace traditional electricity meters with smart AMI meters, a technology that enables real-time monitoring of electricity consumption and enhances grid efficiency. The procedure is conducted house by house and, in accordance with current regulations, does not require homeowner authorization to carry out the change.

According to the state-owned company, the goal is to modernize the country’s electrical system, reduce losses due to faults or irregular connections, and provide more accurate consumption records for all users. Installation will take place over the coming weeks in thousands of homes, where authorized CFE personnel will visit directly to perform the replacement.

What Are AMI Smart Meters and Why Is CFE Installing Them?

The new meters operate with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which allows CFE to remotely monitor energy consumption, perform cuts or reconnections without dispatching crews, and detect anomalies in real time.

Among their main benefits are:

• Greater accuracy in records, reducing erroneous charges.
• Automatic transmission of information, eliminating manual readings.
• Immediate identification of faults, speeding up repairs.
• Enhanced security, by making manipulations or illegal connections more difficult.

With this modernization, CFE aims to improve supply stability, decrease energy losses, and optimize fault response across the country.

Impact of the New Meters on Electricity Bills

The installation of AMI meters does not imply an increase in tariffs, but it does mean greater accuracy in consumption recording. This signifies that:

• Users who previously paid more than they actually consumed might see lower bills.
• Households with underestimated readings could face upward adjustments, depending on the actual consumption reflected by the new equipment.

Continuous monitoring will also allow users to identify consumption peaks and adopt habits that help reduce energy expenditure.

Can CFE Change the Meter Without User Permission?

Yes. Both the Electricity Industry Law and the provisions of the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) authorize CFE to perform the replacement without requesting customer consent, especially when:

• The meter has faults or deterioration.
• Alterations or manipulations are detected.
• The equipment no longer meets current technical standards.
• The neighborhood or region is part of an official modernization program.
• The replacement is necessary to ensure safe and adequate service.

However, personnel must carry official identification, inform the reason for the visit, and explain the procedure to users.