Playa del Carmen Paralyzed by 24-Hour Blackouts, Businesses Report Millions in Losses

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — A power outage lasting more than 24 hours has paralyzed parts of Playa del Carmen, causing millions of pesos in losses and sparking outrage among residents and business owners who blame the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) for failing to maintain its infrastructure.

The blackout hit several neighborhoods, including Villamar I, Misión de las Flores, Palmas 2, El Sisal, Xcacel, Villas del Sol, and a section of the Ejidal neighborhood. Plaza Las Américas, a major shopping center, reported losses exceeding 3 million pesos as stores were forced to close. Small businesses, restaurants, and hotels in the western part of the city were also severely affected.

Ramón Cárdenas González, president of the Business Coordinating Council of the Riviera Maya, said the CFE has been overwhelmed by the city’s rapid urban growth and has failed to invest in necessary upgrades. “The demand has outpaced the infrastructure, and the CFE has not responded,” he said.

Residents reported that the intermittent power surges have damaged household appliances. Many also noted that the problem has been ongoing for a week, with no effective response from authorities.

Critics say local government continues to approve construction permits for new real estate developments without ensuring adequate utility services. The blackouts not only disrupt daily life but also hurt tourism, as not all hotels have backup generators.

Business owners and residents are demanding immediate action from the CFE and municipal authorities to resolve the power crisis and prevent further economic damage.