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The CFE DAC rate: what it is, when you're moved to it and how to get out

Updated October 24, 2026

If your CFE bill suddenly jumped although nothing changed at home, CFE has most likely moved you to the DAC rate (Doméstica de Alto Consumo, “high-consumption residential”). It's the most expensive rate for a home: it has no government subsidy, charges every kWh at the same high price and adds a fixed monthly charge. It catches many newcomers to Mexico, especially those used to running air conditioning all day.

When are you moved to DAC?

CFE doesn't move you for one high bill. According to the DAC rate rules, you're reclassified when your average monthly usage over the last 12 months goes over the high-consumption limit for your location. The limit depends on your rate:

Your rateLimit per monthPer two-month bill
Rate 1250 kWh500 kWh
Rate 1A300 kWh600 kWh
Rate 1B400 kWh800 kWh
Rate 1C850 kWh1,700 kWh
Rate 1D1,000 kWh2,000 kWh
Rate 1E2,000 kWh4,000 kWh
Rate 1F2,500 kWh5,000 kWh

Source: CFE, DAC rate, point 4. The limit is a 12-month average, not the usage of a single bill.

Example: on rate 1A the limit is 300 kWh a month. If you used more than 3,600 kWh in a year (300 × 12), your average goes over the limit and you're moved to DAC, even if some bills were low.

How much does DAC cost?

DAC has two parts: a fixed charge of $145.79 MXN per month and a price per kWh that depends on your region. October 2026 rates, before VAT:

RegionPrice per kWh (MXN)
Baja California$6.544 in summer · $5.620 rest of the year
Baja California Sur$7.131 in summer · $5.620 rest of the year
Central$6.730
Northwest$6.305
North and Northeast$6.142
South and Peninsular$6.241

Source: CFE, DAC rate, October 2026 rates (checked October 21, 2026). 16 % VAT is added to the bill. CFE adjusts rates every month.

For comparison: on a normal rate the first kWh of the month cost about $1.14, and only the top tier (“excedente”) reaches $4.05. On DAC every kWh costs between $5.62 and $7.13 depending on region and season.

With this site's calculator: a home on rate 1A in the South and Peninsular region (for example Jalisco) using 800 kWh per two months pays about $2,753 MXN per bill on its normal rate and about $6,130 MXN on DAC (yearly average, with VAT). Same usage, more than double the bill.

How do I get out of DAC?

CFE's rule works in reverse: when your average monthly usage over the last 12 months drops below the limit, CFE puts you back on your normal residential rate (DAC rate, point 8). Since it's a one-year average, it takes time: each low bill pulls the average down a bit.

  1. Use less. Find which appliances use the most (usually the A/C, an old fridge or something left on) and how much your bill would drop without each one.
  2. Install solar panels. With a grid-tied system, CFE bills you the difference between what you take from the grid and what your panels send to it, so your billed usage — and your average — drop.

See how much your bill would drop without each appliance.

Find what uses the most

Frequently asked questions

What does DAC mean on a CFE bill?

DAC stands for Doméstica de Alto Consumo (high-consumption residential). It's the rate CFE applies to homes whose average monthly usage over the last 12 months goes over the limit for their location. It has no subsidy and adds a fixed monthly charge.

What is the limit to avoid DAC?

It depends on your rate: 250 kWh per month on rate 1, 300 on 1A, 400 on 1B, 850 on 1C, 1,000 on 1D, 2,000 on 1E and 2,500 on 1F. It's an average of the last 12 months.

How long does it take to get out of DAC?

CFE puts you back on your normal rate when your last-12-month average drops below the limit. Since it's a rolling one-year average, it depends on how far over you were and how much you cut: the more you lower each bill, the sooner you get out.

Do solar panels get you out of DAC?

They can: with grid-tied panels, CFE bills the difference between what you take from the grid and what you send. If that keeps your 12-month average under the limit, you go back to your normal rate.

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