Blackouts in Bacalar: only 9 of 121 hotels have an emergency generator
Power outages and voltage swings cause cancellations, refunded deposits and extra costs at hotels and restaurants in Bacalar. Only nine of 121 hotels have a backup generator.
Only nine of Bacalar's 121 hotels have a generator to cope with blackouts, according to Periódico Sol Quintana Roo (article dated October 23, 2026). Power outages and voltage fluctuations cause cancellations, refunded deposits, guests being moved to hotels that have power, and higher operating costs.
Why isn't there more backup power?
Some owners took out loans to buy generators. About 35 affiliates have solar panels, but backup batteries cost between 1 and 1.5 million pesos. The Asociación de Hoteles y Restaurantes de Bacalar (Bacalar Hotel and Restaurant Association) asked the CFE (Federal Electricity Commission) to address the problem.
What are hoteliers in the south asking for?
On September 29, 2026, the Asociación de Hoteles del Centro y Sur (Central and Southern Hotels Association) said southern hoteliers will demand compensation from the CFE and are asking for transformer replacements and modernization of the power grids. That REPORTUR article covers the southern zone in general and does not name Bacalar.
What is occupancy like in October?
October occupancy runs around 35 to 40%, according to Sol Quintana Roo, and a pickup is expected starting in mid-November. Quinta Fuerza reported on October 18, 2026 a range of 30 to 40%, with up to 50% on weekends. Figures vary by source, and none is an official figure from the Secretaría de Turismo (Tourism Secretariat).