Latent Risk: Old CFE Utility Poles in Mexican Streets Threaten Safety

Urban Collapse: The Urgency of Renewing Electrical Pole Infrastructure

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-826-SOC
Published in 09-30-2025

Latent Risk: Old CFE Utility Poles in Mexican Stre

In many Mexican cities, old poles belonging to the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) have become a latent hazard. Over time, several of them show visible tilts, cracks, or corroded bases that make them vulnerable to sudden falls. These structures, intended to ensure a safe electrical supply, now represent a serious risk for pedestrians and drivers.

A growing problem
According to citizen reports and local news outlets, wooden and concrete poles installed decades ago show accelerated deterioration. Rain, wind, and lack of maintenance have increased the cases of poles collapsing in the middle of public roads.

Danger on the Sidewalk: Obsolete Poles, Negligence or Network Neglect?

Foto: Sinaloa en línea.
Main risks:
1- Power outages affecting entire neighborhoods.
2- Risk of electric shocks and fatal accidents.
3- Property damage to houses and vehicles.
4- Obstruction of traffic and emergency services.

Responsibility and complaints
CFE is responsible for maintaining its infrastructure, yet the response is often slow and reports pile up. In many neighborhoods, residents have had to organize themselves, sending photographic evidence and creating pressure through social media to get urgent attention. Official reporting channels exist, such as the CFE contact portal.

A call for prevention
Urban safety experts highlight the urgent need for a progressive replacement program, prioritizing areas with the oldest installations. Prevention would not only avoid accidents but also reduce emergency repair costs.

For now, walking near a damaged pole has become a daily concern for thousands of Mexicans, who hope the modernization of the electrical grid arrives before a greater tragedy occurs.