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CFE requests resources to replace damaged Holbox, Isla Mujeres submarine cable lines

Isla Mujeres, Q.R. — In order to avoid continued blackouts and replace damaged infrastructure, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has requested resources in the 2022 Federal Budget. Within the 2022 Budget, the CFE made a request for a project to replace the submarine cable lines that carry electricity to the islands of Holbox and Isla Mujeres.

As for the connection cable that serves Holbox Island, a budget of 112 million peso has been requested. CFE said that until 2018, Holbox had a demand of 2.5 megawatts, which are being generated in a power plant with a capacity of 3.5 megawatts. However, they estimated that the demand will double by 2024 due to the tourist potential of the area.

In the case of Isla Mujeres, there is an investment request for 125 million peso. The goal is to lay new fiber optic cabling with two underground sections in Punta Sam and Isla Mujeres, 196 and 451 meters long, while the underwater section extends 5,822 meters.

The electrical energy brought to Isla Mujeres comes from the Bonampak electrical substation located in eastern Cancun and this cable is its only supply source. The current cables, which were installed in 1989, continually fail due to severe deterioration.

According to the CFE, that deterioration has consumed the useful life of the cables, which are being exceeded. The agency also notes that over the years, the cables have been additionally damaged by boats, anchors and vandalism in areas near the coast, decreasing their electrical power transmission capacity.