Mexico City — Mexico’s state-owned power company, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), has launched a nationwide program to replace all traditional electricity meters with advanced smart meters, aiming to improve billing accuracy and reduce energy theft.
The new meters use Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology, which records electricity usage in real time and transmits data remotely. Unlike conventional meters, they eliminate estimated billing and provide households with precise consumption details.
CFE officials said the replacement is mandatory and free of charge for all residential customers. The program will prioritize three groups: old electromechanical meters that have exceeded their useful life, damaged or tampered devices, and communities selected for infrastructure upgrades.
Key benefits of the smart meters include:
- Accurate billing: Bills will reflect actual daily consumption, ending estimated charges.
- Fault detection: The system alerts CFE to technical issues instantly, speeding up repairs and reducing outages.
- Anti-theft features: Built-in safeguards prevent tampering and illegal connections, known locally as “diablitos.”
During installation, a CFE technician will visit the home, explain the process, and replace the meter. The service and equipment are free. CFE warned customers to report anyone attempting to charge for the replacement.
The rollout will be gradual across the country. CFE has not provided a specific timeline for completion but said the program is already underway in select areas.
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