Business chamber Concanaco accuses municipalities of tolerating illegal power hookups

Mexico's confederation of chambers of commerce, services and tourism (Concanaco Servytur) on July 16 accused municipal governments across the country of contributing to the irregular use of electricity by allowing illegal hookups — known locally as "diablitos" — and failing to act against the practice.

The business organization argued that tolerance of clandestine connections directly harms the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), penalizes businesses that do pay for the service, and compromises the stability of the power supply in several regions.

Concanaco called for stronger coordination among municipalities, the CFE and the relevant authorities to detect and sanction illegal connections, public awareness campaigns about the consequences of electricity theft, and a stronger culture of legal compliance in energy use.

Why it matters in Cancún

The complaint touches on a familiar problem in Benito Juárez: irregular hookups overload transformers and circuits, causing blackouts and voltage swings that damage appliances — a risk that worsens in the hot season, when air-conditioning demand peaks.

Beyond its impact on service, using electricity without a contract is classified as a crime under federal law, exposing offenders to criminal penalties and retroactive billing for the energy consumed.

What residents can do

• Report irregular connections or supply anomalies by calling 071, the CFE's national customer line, available 24 hours, or through the CFE Contigo app.
• Regularize service: anyone without a contract can apply at CFE customer service centers in Cancún with an ID and proof of address.
• For recurring blackouts in a neighborhood, a 071 report generates a case number that allows residents to follow up on repairs.