The DAC tariff (Doméstica de Alto Consumo / High-Consumption Domestic) is the biggest headache for many households in Mexicali, Tijuana, San Luis Río Colorado and all of Mexico. If you’re in DAC, your CFE bill can be 3 to 5 times more expensive than a subsidized bill. Here’s how it works and how to get out permanently.

What is the DAC tariff?

It’s the unsubsidized rate CFE applies to residential users who have exceeded their basic tariff limit over a prolonged period. In practice, it means kWh no longer costs $1 to $2 (subsidized), but $4.50 to $6 (actual generation price).

How does DAC activate?

It triggers when your annual average consumption exceeds your tariff limit:

  • 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D: 250 kWh/month annual average.
  • 1E: 400 kWh/month annual average.
  • 1F: 525 kWh/month annual average (most generous, applies in Mexicali and SLRC).

If you exceed these limits on a 12-month rolling average, CFE moves you to DAC starting your next bill.

How do I know if I’m in DAC?

Check your CFE bill at the top corner. If it says “Tariff: DAC” or “Doméstica de Alto Consumo”, you’re in DAC. Another sign: the fixed charge is much higher (~$120/mo) and the kWh price is uniformly high.

How much more expensive is DAC?

A typical 1,200 kWh bimonthly consumption:

  • On subsidized 1F tariff (Mexicali, SLRC): ~$1,400 MXN.
  • On DAC tariff: ~$5,800 MXN.

Difference: $4,400 MXN bimonthly, almost $27,000 a year.

How to get out of DAC

Two official ways:

  1. Cut consumption for 12 consecutive months below the limit (very hard without solar).
  2. Install grid-tied solar panels: by lowering your net consumption, you return to subsidized tariff in 1-2 bimesters.

Solar panels permanently remove DAC

With properly-sized solar panels:

  • Your net consumption drops to subsidized range (even to 0 or credits in your favor).
  • CFE recalculates your rolling average and returns you to basic tariff.
  • You stay there as long as generation covers your consumption.

At I-Vert Energy we’ve gotten 200+ homes out of DAC in Mexicali and the northwest region. See CFE savings guide in Mexicali.

Conclusion

The DAC tariff can turn your CFE bill into a financial nightmare. Solar panels are the only lasting solution: they cut your net consumption, return you to subsidized tariff, and protect you from future hikes. Get a free quote and stop overpaying.