Playa del Carmen Official Calls for Removal of CFE Superintendent Over Blackouts

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A city council member is calling for the removal of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) superintendent in Playa del Carmen, saying that repeated power outages this year have exposed the utility’s failure to deliver on its promised infrastructure investments.

Councilman Juan Novelo said 2026 has seen more electricity interruptions than any recent year and questioned announcements by CFE officials about multimillion-dollar infrastructure projects.

“Every year there are spectacular announcements by the superintendent and CFE officials about massive investments in electrical infrastructure in our municipality. The reality is different. In 2026, we have suffered more blackouts than in any recent year. I believe that superintendent should be removed from his post,” he said.

Novelo also said the superintendent has not attended working meetings called to address public service issues and has been absent during outages.

“He has been conspicuously absent during the blackouts. The bureaucrat’s indifference toward the people is an insult,” he said.

The councilman insisted that CFE must increase its investments to keep pace with Playa del Carmen’s growth and provide service commensurate with what customers pay.

“We have to keep raising our voices to demand that CFE invest in more infrastructure here. This service is very expensive. They are not doing us any favors,” he said.

CFE Absent From Joint Meetings

Novelo said the city maintains permanent working groups with Aguakan and other service providers, including telecommunications companies, to address citizen reports on urban infrastructure. He said CFE representatives have not taken part in those meetings.

“They simply have not participated. They do not care about the people,” he said.

The meetings address issues such as streets damaged by utility work, uncovered manholes, and cables hanging from poles, which can pose risks to residents.

Novelo added that along with council members Uri Carmona and Danna Ramírez, he has been inspecting streets and avenues to check absorption wells, sewers, manholes, and road pavement conditions after work by CFE, Aguakan, and other companies.

He warned that blackouts do not just interrupt electricity service—they can damage appliances and spoil food and other goods when power cuts last a long time.

“The blackouts damage electrical appliances. Food and supplies go bad. It is an outrage, especially since these are constant and prolonged outages,” he said.

He reiterated his request that CFE replace the local manager, saying the change should be the first step toward addressing the deficiencies.

“It is time to deliver for the people, but first, the utility must appoint people with a genuine sense of service and commitment to the community,” he concluded.