Energy Saving

In view of the serious challenges posed by the volatility of oil prices and the rising cost of energy, the Government of Mauritius has reviewed the energy policy for fuelling the future as a result of a paradigm shift on the world stage caused by climate change.

Mauritius is reliant on imported sources of energy to more than 90 %. The environmental dimension is also integrated in the energy matrix of the country as energy accounts for more than 80% of all greenhouse gas emissions in Mauritius.

In this respect, the Government of Mauritius has adopted a strategy of Building a Green future for Mauritius through the Maurice Ile Durable (MID) concept. The MID concept aims at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, improving consumption behaviours and creating a sustainable local industry of renewal energy sources. To ensure the endorsement of the population to this massive endeavour, a range of programmes are being conducted to build awareness, confidence and familiarity in renewable energy technologies and sustainable consumption practices. For example, clips on Energy Saving as regards to lighting, ironing, air conditioning and refrigeration were shown on T.V. Popular talks on energy efficiency were conducted at schools and woman centres. Drawing and essay competitions on energy saving were organized for primary and secondary schools respectively.

Energy Saving Campaign

The Central Electricity Board (CEB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU) has launched an “Energy Saving Campaign” since August 2004. Several measures have been taken to help residential customers to cut down their electricity bills without decreasing their comfort.

During this campaign, Energy Saving Booklets were distributed to all residential customers so as to explain the ways to reduce electricity bills by implementing measures such as changing incandescent lamps (ICLs) to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which consume less energy. Apart from lighting, reduction in electricity consumption with regard to other domestic appliances such as refrigerator, iron, air conditioner, washing machine and dishwasher were also dealt with.

CEB has embarked in a project whereby CFLs are sold at a highly subsidized price of Rs 15 a unit to all residential customers. The project which was started on 1 st August 2008 in collaboration with Climate Care,aims at increasing the adoption and use of high quality CFLs by replacing less efficient Incandescent Lamps (ICLs) so as to reduce the consumption of electricity, particularly at peak times, and also to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

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