Genesis and evolution of the CFE: a model of energy transformation in post-neoliberal times in Mexico

The electrification process in Mexico dates back to around 1880 and continues to this day with the adoption of an energy model with an emphasis on the transition to renewable energy. The state-owned company, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), has played a key role in this process since its creation in 1937, its nationalization, corporatization, and resizing to face the 21st century. It has been influenced by endogenous and exogenous factors, as well as constitutional reforms that have repeatedly modified its legal, economic, and administrative structure. This research analyzes the corporatization process and the transition of the State Company to the energy model adopted by Mexico from 2018 to 2030, that is, the last two six-year terms of governments with a post-neoliberal vision, observing the legal, political, and economic phenomena. It is noteworthy that 2018 saw a change in the economic model championed by a national project, resizing the energy sector. This will materialize in 2024 with a constitutional reform on electricity, accompanied by a new regulatory framework. This shift or institutional resizing modifies the CFE's neoliberal administrative structure and restructures its relationship with the private sector. Opening a new era as a State-owned Enterprise, under the legal umbrella of Public Service, in contrast to the neoliberal model attached to the commodification of electricity.