The Meter Has a History, Even If You Don't
You've found your dream rental. A pool, air conditioning, maybe even a little jungle view. Everything looks perfect. But before you hand over the deposit, there's one more thing to ask for: the CFE electricity bill. Not just the latest one, either. You want to know what that house has been doing with electricity before you arrived. Because the meter has a history, even if you don't.
Why the Previous CFE History Matters
CFE doesn't just look at what you used this month. To decide whether a home is using too much electricity for the normal government discount, it looks at the service's electricity use over the previous 12 months. If that average is too high, the property can be placed on DAC — CFE's expensive high-consumption tariff.
What If the Property Is Already on DAC?
Imagine the previous tenant kept the AC running at 18°C day and night. You move in, use electricity carefully, and expect a reasonable bill. But the property may already be on DAC. Surprise! You're dealing with an electricity problem you didn't create. A change of tenant doesn't automatically prove that the existing service's consumption history has been reset. Ask CFE about the account's status and any new contract arrangements.
Is There an Unpaid Balance?
An unpaid CFE balance is different from the property's electricity consumption history. Ask whether the previous bills have been paid and whether any balance remains on the service. Don't assume you automatically owe a previous tenant's debt. Who is responsible depends on the account, agreement, and applicable rules.
Are You Sharing an Electricity Meter?
Does your rental have a separate meter? Or is it connected to the landlord's house, another apartment, or the casita next door? One meter can record electricity used by multiple living spaces. If the landlord splits the bill, you need to know exactly how they calculate your share.
What to Ask Before Signing a Lease
1. Ask for the latest CFE bill.
Check the service address, current tariff, and any outstanding balance.
2. Ask for the previous 12 months of bills.
These will help you understand how much electricity the property normally uses and whether it has a high-consumption history.
3. Check for DAC.
If the bill says DAC, ask the landlord and CFE about the account's status before agreeing to pay the electricity.
4. Confirm who uses the meter.
Ask whether it supplies only your rental and whether electricity is included in rent or billed separately.
Already Renting? Here's What to Check
5. Photograph the meter when you receive the keys.
Take a clear, dated picture showing the meter reading and meter number, without opening or touching the equipment. Have the landlord acknowledge the reading and clarify in writing who pays for electricity used before your move-in date.
Your Move-In Electricity Checklist
- I've seen the latest CFE bill.
- I've reviewed the previous electricity history.
- I've checked whether the account is on DAC.
- I've confirmed there are no unexplained old charges.
- I know whether the meter is shared.
- I know who pays CFE and how charges are calculated.
- I've photographed the meter reading.
- Our lease explains electricity payments and responsibilities.