Most rentals already have CFE (power) and Telnor/Telmex (internet) set up — ask your landlord before opening new accounts. Propane and water are the two most likely to need your own attention.
CFE (Comisión Federal de Electricidad)
National power utility — the only option, no competitors. Bills are billed in pesos; most rentals include CFE in the landlord's name.
CFE runs one unified national line (071) for phone service — it's the same number to call from anywhere in Baja. Local CAC offices (9 in Tijuana, 14 in Mexicali, 3 in Ensenada) are for in-person paperwork only, not phone support.
Last verified 2026-06. Numbers and prices change — confirm before you rely on them.
Telnor / Telmex (phone & internet)
Northern Baja (Tijuana, Rosarito, Tecate, Mexicali, Ensenada)
Telnor (Telmex's Baja California brand) covers landline, DSL/fiber internet, and Infinitum WiFi across northern Baja. Coverage thins out south of Ensenada — ask neighbors what they use before signing up.
Last verified 2026-06. Numbers and prices change — confirm before you rely on them.
Z Gas / Baja Gas (propane)
Most Baja homes run on propane (gas LP) for the stove, water heater, and sometimes a dryer. Two setups: portable cylinders (cilindros) that get swapped out, or a stationary tank (tanque estacionario) topped up from a pipa truck. Get the words right when you call — they are not the same thing. Ecogas pipes natural gas in parts of Mexicali, Tijuana, and Rosarito; everywhere else it is LP, and Z Gas/Baja Gas is the main network in the northwest.
Last verified 2026-06. Numbers and prices change — confirm before you rely on them.
CESPT / CESPE / CESPM (municipal water)
Provider depends on city — CESPT (Tijuana/Rosarito), CESPE (Ensenada), CESPM (Mexicali)
Tap water is treated but most residents and expats still drink bottled or filtered water. Your provider depends on your city — check your water bill for the agency name if you're not sure. All three run the shared 073 report line, though WhatsApp is faster in Ensenada and Mexicali.
Last verified 2026-06. Numbers and prices change — confirm before you rely on them.
Solar Installers
Solar is increasingly common in Baja given the sun and rising CFE tariffs at higher consumption tiers, but installer quality varies a lot and we don't yet have a vetted list. Get 2–3 written quotes, confirm the installer is CFE-interconnection certified (for net metering), ask for references from other expats in your area, and check the Local Directory for reviewed providers.
Browse the Local Directory →Handyman & home services
- Get a clear price agreed before work starts — cash, and in pesos, is standard.
- Browse the Local Directory's informal-helper listings for people with community reviews rather than starting from zero.
These numbers are our saved reference (they work offline) — double-check anything important with the provider directly.
Getting connected in Mexico