### New Power Outage in CFE Substation Leaves Several Neighborhoods in Mexicali Without Electricity
A malfunction caused by a high-voltage cable in one of the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) substations left numerous neighborhoods in Mexicali without electricity. This blackout occurred amidst an ongoing emergency due to extremely high temperatures, which have claimed the lives of over 40 people this season.
Around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, electrical service interruptions began in certain areas. By 2 p.m., the power outage became widespread, affecting communities across various social strata.
Neighborhoods such as Constituyente, San Marcos, Conjunto Urbano Universitario, Jardines del Lago, Villanova, and the eastern zones like Puerta de Alcalá and Casa Maya were among those impacted. This issue stems from a high-voltage cable failure within a substation managed by CFE, which has seen a decline in service quality and deteriorating infrastructure since Manuel Bartlett took over.
This power outage adds to the existing tension between the CFE and the residents of Mexicali. Recently, there have been reports of sudden electricity cuts and exorbitant electricity bills, sometimes as high as 50,000 pesos, disproportionately affecting the most impoverished communities. These inflated bills resulted from a questionable adjustment extending the billing cycle from the usual 26-28 days to over 30 days, leading many citizens to exceed their subsidized consumption levels, thereby significantly increasing the cost per kilowatt.
These issues have prompted protests and even the temporary occupation of CFE facilities in the Mexicali valley as citizens pressure the public utility for better service.
The CFE has indicated that it expects to restore normal service within six hours.
Meanwhile, Mexicali remains in a state of epidemiological emergency due to soaring temperatures that have surpassed 50 degrees Celsius, contributing to the death toll. The state government, along with the military and navy, have been working to mitigate the fatalities. However, the ongoing challenges with CFE’s service continue to jeopardize public safety.
#### Secondary Article: Ongoing Power Outages Cause Strain in Mexicali Amid Heatwave
In the past month, Mexicali residents have faced a series of power outages exacerbating the crises brought on by extreme heat. The situation has intensified community frustration as citizens are left without essential electrical services such as air conditioning, which is vital for survival in these soaring temperatures.
According to recent reports, the lack of electricity has not only put lives at risk but has also stalled business operations and disrupted everyday life. Local market stalls, small factories, and even some hospitals have been affected by these ongoing power issues.
Community leaders and activists have called for immediate government intervention and long-term solutions to prevent recurrent blackouts and ensure stable electricity supply. Citizens have also been advised to take precautionary measures, such as staying hydrated and seeking shelter in cooler areas wherever possible during outages.
The urgency of addressing these power-related challenges is underscored by the current heatwave, and it remains a critical issue for the authorities and CFE to resolve.
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