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 view of the above, the Government of Mauritius has been prompt to adopt the strategy of Building a Green future for Mauritius through the Maurice Ile Durable (MID) concept.

The latter aims at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels, at improving consumption behaviours and at creating a sustainable local industry of renewable 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 Savings as regards to lighting, ironing, air conditioning and refrigeration were shown on TV, popular talks on energy efficiency were conducted at schools and woman centres, and drawing and essay competitions on energy saving were organised for primary and secondary schools respectively.

Energy Savings Campaign

The Central Electricity Board (CEB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Utilities (MPU) has been launched in an “Energy Savings Campaign” since August 2004. Several measures have been taken to help residential customers to cut down their electricity bills but at the same without decreasing their comfort. During this campaign, “Energy Saving” booklets were distributed to all residential customers.

The Energy Saving Booklet explains the ways how a consumer can cut down his/her electricity bill by implementing some measures such as changing incandescent lamps to compact fluorescent lamps which consume less energy. Apart from lighting, it also covers other domestic appliances like refrigerator, iron, air conditioner, washing machine, dishwasher etc.

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Distribution of CFLs

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

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