Electricity Prices Rise by 15%: Ten Tips to Reduce Your Bill in Mauritius

Since May 1, 2026, the electricity rates set by the Central Electricity Board (CEB) have increased by 15%. This decision, approved by the Council of Ministers, comes amid a global energy crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. As electricity demand continues to rise and Mauritius falls short of its goal of 60% renewable energy by 2030, households are urged to take action to improve energy efficiency, protect their purchasing power, and avoid power cuts.

This 15% increase occurs in the context of soaring international energy prices, directly linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the rising costs of fuels used for electricity production. On April 10, the Council of Ministers approved the rate revisions effective from May 1, 2026, while planning to exempt certain vulnerable consumers registered in the Social Register of Mauritius, some small domestic users, and SMEs from this increase.

A total of 128,800 consumers out of 541,127 will be exempt from the increase.

Beneficiaries of the Social Register of Mauritius, specifically consumers classified under tariff categories 110A, 215, and 315, as well as SMEs, are excluded from this rate hike. In total, 128,800 consumers out of 541,127 will not be affected by the increase.

It is important to note that electricity demand in Mauritius has significantly increased over the past twenty years: installed capacity rose from about 829 MW in 2005 to 955 MW in 2023, while peak consumption grew from 353 MW to 508 MW, according to an analysis based on data from CEB and Statistics Mauritius. In 2024, renewable energies accounted for only about 18.2% of the electricity mix, far below the national target of 60% by 2030, keeping the country heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels and thus vulnerable to international price shocks.

Ten Simple Actions to Reduce Consumption

In light of this increase, small, repeated actions can make a big difference, both at the household level and for the national grid. Consumption reduction guides show that a household can save 15 to 20% on electricity by avoiding waste (standby power, inefficient lighting, poor settings) and sometimes up to 60% on certain usages with the right equipment. Here are ten concrete actions, tailored to the Mauritian context.

1. Eliminate Standby Power and Unused Chargers

According to local and international campaigns, devices in standby mode and chargers left plugged in can account for up to 10% of a household's consumption. Unplugging chargers once the phone is charged and using power strips with switches to turn off the TV, Internet box, decoder, and consoles at night can reduce bills without sacrificing comfort.

2. Switch to LED Bulbs

LED bulbs consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. Gradually replacing lighting in the living room, kitchen, and frequently used rooms with LEDs can significantly reduce consumption, especially in a country where lighting is used early in the evening.

3. Manage Air Conditioning and Fans Wisely

The CEB reminds us that due to poor insulation, a significant portion of domestic electricity is consumed by fans in summer and heating devices in winter. In Mauritius, air conditioning has become a major consumption factor: setting the air conditioning to 24-25 °C instead of 20-21 °C, closing doors and windows when it’s on, and using fans when possible can save substantial amounts on cooling bills.

4. Use Appliances in 'Eco' Mode

Studies on eco-friendly practices show that the eco mode on a washing machine or dishwasher can reduce electricity consumption by 30 to 50% per cycle, even if the cycle takes longer. In Mauritius, where more households are becoming equipped, prioritizing these programs and avoiding running machines half-empty is advisable.

5. Operate Large Appliances Outside Peak Hours

The CEB has already implemented consumption alerts to encourage reducing non-essential use between 6 PM and 9 PM, to relieve the grid and avoid load-shedding. Scheduling the electric water heater, washing machine, or oven outside this time frame, when possible, helps limit demand peaks and stabilize the system, while preparing the country for a future where rates may vary by time.

6. Set Water Heaters Correctly and Favor Showers

Reducing the temperature of the electric water heater or solar boiler to a reasonable level (e.g., 50-55 °C) prevents overconsumption. Taking showers instead of baths, shortening shower times, and installing low-flow showerheads can reduce both water and electricity consumption, which is crucial in a country facing both an energy and water crisis.

7. Insulate the Home and Close Smartly

A poorly insulated house lets in heat in summer and loses cool air, forcing air conditioning or fans to work harder. Closing shutters or curtains during the hottest hours, sealing air leaks, and installing solar protections (blinds, window films) are simple investments that reduce cooling demand.

8. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances When Upgrading

When it’s time to replace a fridge, air conditioner, or TV, energy labels should be a decisive factor. A highly efficient refrigerator (A++ or A+++, according to standards) can consume 30 to 40% less electricity than an older model, quickly offsetting the initial extra cost, especially with the 15% increase in rates.

9. Practice Responsible Digital Usage

Digital devices are multiplying in homes: boxes, routers, computers, tablets, consoles, screens. Completely turning off computers and televisions instead of leaving them in standby mode, reducing screen brightness, limiting streaming on multiple devices simultaneously, and turning off the box at night are all actions that reduce invisible consumption.

10. Engage the Neighborhood and Community

Experiences in Mauritius show that when a population is well-informed and coordinated, savings can be seen at the grid level: one guide noted a reduction of 12 to 15 MW during an alert, thanks to the reduction of non-essential usage. By discussing energy with neighbors, condominium associations, or community groups, it is possible to pool certain purchases (LED bulbs, power strips, solar equipment) and share best practices to lower bills for all.

From Individual Bills to National Interest

Beyond the immediate shock to wallets, this increase in electricity rates highlights how vulnerable Mauritius remains to international energy crises, particularly those linked to the Middle East. Reducing unnecessary consumption today not only protects family budgets but also avoids costly load-shedding for the economy and allows the country time to achieve its transition to 60% renewable energy by 2030.

While no one can control the price of oil or geopolitical decisions, everyone can choose to unplug, turn off, and optimize: across more than 500,000 subscribers, these repeated actions can offset part of the 15% increase and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.