Electricity meters and consumption: what you need to know in Mexico

Electricity meters in Mexico (or light meters) are critical instruments regulated by the CFE and CRE to record consumption in kWh, peak demand, and power factor. Their evolution towards digital meters with telemetry allows for the detection of faults, measurement of peak demand, reactive energy, and power factor, promoting efficient energy management in line with the Network Code and ISO 50001.

Controlling and monitoring electricity consumption in any industrial company not only influences operational competitiveness, but also the sustainability and energy efficiency of the facilities. Therefore, electric energy meters (colloquially called “electricity meters”) play an essential role in ensuring accurate readings, fair billing, and strategies for optimizing the use of electricity service.

In Mexico, the installation, control, and monitoring of electricity meters are regulated by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), which establish the technical criteria for reliable consumption measurement.

What is an electricity meter and how does it work?

Technically called a wattmeter, an electricity meter is a metrological device responsible for recording electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) at a supply point, whether residential, commercial, or industrial. Its function is to record the exact consumption flowing through a connection for billing, control, and operational management purposes.

There are two main types of meters that work by sampling voltage and current signals in real time. Electromechanical meters use a rotating disc and require manual reading. On the other hand, digital meters incorporate integrated circuits and remote communication; they can also record demand peaks, reactive energy, and power factor. The latter are the most widely used by CFE in industrial environments, as they can break down consumption into:

• Active Energy (kWh): the actual power used to perform work.
• Reactive Energy (kVARh): the energy that does not perform useful work but saturates the lines; essential for calculating the power factor.
• Maximum Demand: the highest power demand value in 5, 15, or 30-minute intervals.

What should I do if my electricity meter does not show anything or shows incorrect values?

An electricity meter that does not record consumption or shows inconsistent values may be out of calibration, have electronic faults, or have suffered external alterations. CFE offers a free meter inspection service when the user detects anomalies. The procedure consists of:

1. Reporting the problem and requesting an official inspection: technical staff will assess whether the equipment needs to be replaced or recalibrated.
2. Check if the CFE meter is flashing red: this visual indicator can mean different things. On the one hand, if it flashes slowly, it is due to normal operation of the equipment (indicating active consumption). If, on the other hand, it flashes rapidly or steadily, there may be possible faults, tampering, or overload in the system.
3. Analyze the quality of the power: often, “incorrect” values are byproducts of harmonic distortion or phase imbalance that the meter accurately records, but which the user is unaware of.

What is the number on an electricity meter and where can I find it?

The electricity meter number is usually a six-character alphanumeric code visible on the metal or digital casing of the device, generally near the acronym “CFE” and also on the electricity bill.

In industrial environments, this code is linked to control panels, substations, or submetering systems that allow for more detailed control of consumption by area, production line, or shift.

Read also: How to read your CFE electricity bill?

What are the CFE meter codes and what do they mean?

Modern electronic electricity meters display a series of codes (OBIS sequences) that rotate in seconds. Understanding them is vital for process control:

• 8.1.0: total active energy consumption (kWh).
• 8.2.0: reactive energy (kVARh), essential for calculating the penalty for low power factor.
• 1.0.0: current date and time.
• 9.1.0: maximum demand recorded in the period.

How do Industronic energy monitors contribute to electricity consumption control?

Although CFE provides the basic meter for recording consumption and billing for electricity, Industronic energy monitors are tools that offer expanded capabilities for detailed analysis and consumption control in complex installations, mainly:

• Real-time monitoring of electrical variables (power, power factor, harmonics, etc.)
• Historical records of power quality and load profiles by circuit or area. This data is mandatory for compliance with the Grid Code and to avoid penalties from the CRE.
• Integration with energy management systems (SGEn), useful for complying with ISO 50001 best practices.
• Alarms and predictive analysis that help detect anomalies, leaks, or unauthorized consumption.

Best practices for optimizing electricity consumption in Mexico

Energy optimization today is about intelligent asset management and self-consumption. Based on the guidelines of the National Commission for the Efficient Use of Energy (CONUEE), here are some key actions:

1. Power factor audit: keep it as close to 1.0 as possible to obtain discounts of up to 2% on your electricity bill.
2. Peak shaving strategies: schedule high-demand processes outside the peak hours defined by CFE to avoid excessive peak demand charges.
3. Implementation of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems): store energy at low-cost times or from renewable sources for use during grid failures or periods of high demand.
4. Distributed generation with solar panels: installing photovoltaic systems reduces consumption from the public grid.
5. Management Systems ISO 50001: use information from Industronic monitors to establish a culture of continuous improvement in energy use.

Frequently asked questions about electricity meters and consumption

How can I tell if an electricity meter is working properly?

An electricity meter is working properly if the readings progress consistently with actual usage; there are no abrupt jumps or unexpected reversals, and the reading matches previous periods adjusted for usage variations.

How often is it recommended to check the electricity meter?

For industrial users, a monthly visual inspection and a quarterly audit of electrical parameters are recommended. This ensures that there are no hot spots in the connection terminals and that the telemetry is sending correct data to the CFE headquarters.