Electricity costs in Mexico shift starting May 1 as seasonal summer rates take effect. These rates do not apply uniformly across the country. They are based on regional climate classifications
As temperatures rise, the federal government increases subsidies on residential electricity to help offset higher usage from air conditioning and cooling systems. The subsidy went into effect April 1 for Sonora. However, starting May 1, it expands to other regions where average temperatures reach at least 33°C
Under this system, households remain on subsidized residential tariffs (1, 1A–1F), which offer lower electricity rates up to a defined consumption limit. Those limits vary by region and climate, but monthly thresholds generally range from 250 kWh (Tarifa 1) up to 2,500 kWh (Tarifa 1F).
If your average consumption exceeds your tariff’s limit, your household is automatically reclassified by the CFE into Tarifa Doméstica de Alto Consumo (DAC), a higher-cost category for high-usage residential customers. CFE calculates the DAC using your average electricity usage over time – typically:
- 12 months for monthly billing, or
- 6 billing cycles for bimonthly service
This is based on an average – not a single high bill. But one high-usage period can affect your rate for several cycles. Once in DAC —
- You lose the government subsidy entirely
- You pay a higher fixed rate per kWh
- Your electricity bill can increase significantly – often 4x higher than subsidized rates
- Once you enter DAC, it can take multiple billing cycles of lower usage to return to a subsidized rate.
To find out your current tariff —
- Check your most recent CFE bill
- Look for the section labeled “Tarifa” (usually below the payment summary)
- If it shows DAC, you are no longer receiving a subsidy
- If it shows 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, or 1F, you are still subsidized, but may be approaching the limit
Leave a Reply