## Concerns Over Lack of CFE Infrastructure Projects in Mexicali
### Primary Article
The city of Mexicali faces growing concerns over the lack of infrastructure improvement projects by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE). Despite recognition of the issue by local and state authorities, no concrete plans from the federal government have been initiated to address the inadequacies in CFE’s infrastructure, particularly as the region prepares for the summer heat.
Kurt Honold Morales, the Secretary of Economy and Innovation in Baja California, noted ongoing cooperation with federal authorities and CFE officials. However, even with this collaboration, there has been no significant advancement in resolving infrastructure issues. With the onset of electric subsidies in Mexicali just four months away, Mexicali residents remain anxious about potential power failures during the hot season.
Norma Bustamante Martínez, mayor of Mexicali, admitted in 2024 that CFE’s infrastructure is extremely outdated. “We cannot allow the light posts to continue falling; renewal takes time and cannot happen overnight,” she stated. There are plans to discuss electric tariff issues and start installing underground cables in Tijuana, indicating a beginning but not a comprehensive solution.
José Antonio Villa, President of the National Chamber of Commerce in Mexicali, agrees on the pressing need for upgrading CFE infrastructure, highlighting deficiencies in poles and wiring. A major concern is that these issues deter potential investors due to unreliable energy provision.
A recent incident on January 7 brought these concerns to the forefront when around eight CFE poles collapsed in Santa Isabel neighborhood, Mexicali, leaving approximately 900 homes without power. Strong winds were to blame, but the incident underscored the fragile state of the area’s energy infrastructure.
### Secondary Article
Concerns regarding Mexicali’s CFE infrastructure are echoed in other regions facing similar challenges with energy supply reliability. In December 2024, CFE assured the full restoration of electricity supply in Baja California following disruptions caused by the Santa Ana weather condition. This incident emphasized the pressing need for upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent.
Additionally, other parts of Baja California, such as Rosarito, experienced severe issues in December when a series of electrical wire falls left critical roads like Avenida Loma Grande inaccessible. These occurrences reflect broader concerns about infrastructure resilience across the state.
As regions grapple with these energy challenges, there’s mounting pressure on the federal government to propose effective and sustainable infrastructure projects. Such improvements are essential not only to meet current demands but also to support future economic growth and stability in the area.