Household budgets are always a tight squeeze, and it seems another regular bill is about to get a bit heavier. The Federal Electricity Commission, known as CFE, is making changes that could mean you’ll pay more for your power. This isn’t just about using more electricity, but rather a big shift in how your home’s energy use is measured.
Many things have become more expensive lately. Groceries and various services all seem to cost more. Electricity is now following suit. You might wonder why your power bill looks higher this period, even if your usage habits haven’t changed. The answer lies in a widespread update to energy meters across the country.
New Meters, New Bills
CFE has been busy replacing old electricity meters with new, “smart” versions. These modern devices are quite different from the older ones installed in homes. Technicians are visiting properties nationwide to swap out the classic meters for these new, more advanced units. If you haven’t seen a CFE worker at your house yet, you can expect one soon.
The timing of your bill’s increase depends on when your new meter is installed. If your billing cycle ended before your new smart meter was put in, your current payment won’t reflect the increase. However, for those who already have the new meters, the change is noticeable. These advanced meters are much more precise. They can even detect small energy leaks in your home, which means more accurate readings, but also potentially higher bills.
How Smart Meters Change Things
CFE’s new meters use advanced measurement technology. This means they are far more accurate when recording a household’s energy use. While this might sound like a downside, it offers a clearer, real-time picture of your consumption. These new meters are also much harder to tamper with, ensuring that all readings are true.
The main difference is their sensitivity. These smart meters are so precise they can detect even tiny amounts of energy escaping from your home. This might happen from devices left plugged in, or issues with your wiring. Even if you think everything is turned off, the meter will count any energy that’s “leaking” away. This can make your final bill higher than you expected. On the flip side, if your home is super efficient, your bill could potentially be lower if no extra use is detected.
To help manage these new, more accurate bills, consider a few simple steps. You can buy power strips that cut off electricity completely when devices are not in use. It’s also wise to check your property for energy leaks regularly. Experts suggest having a professional check every five years. But if you suspect a problem, you can always ask a technician to inspect your home.
Remember to replace old light bulbs with energy-saving LED versions. Turn off lights in rooms you aren’t using. Be mindful of how you use air conditioning, as it can be a big energy consumer. These small actions can make a real difference to your monthly costs under the new system.
CFE has also clarified that there isn’t a specific program called ‘Casa por Casa’ or ‘House by House’. These visits by technicians are simply part of their routine work to upgrade the system. If you feel unsure or have questions about a visit, you can call 071 for assistance.