15% Energy Price Hike: 10 Daily Habits to Lower Your Monthly Electricity Bills

Households in Mauritius are facing a sharp 15% rise in electricity tariffs as of 1 May 2026, following a government decision to address the escalating global energy crisis.

The Central Electricity Board (CEB) price hike was ratified by the Council of Ministers on 10 April.

Officials have linked the increase directly to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have driven up international fuel costs used for local power generation.

Vulnerable Groups Shielded

Despite the broad increase, the government has moved to protect specific sectors. Out of 541,127 total consumers, 128,800 will be exempt from the hike. Those excluded include:

• Individuals registered with the Social Register of Mauritius (tariff categories 110A, 215, and 315).
• Certain small domestic consumer brackets.
• Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

A Growing Energy Gap

The price rise highlights Mauritius’s continued struggle with energy independence. Domestic demand has surged over the last two decades, with peak consumption rising from 353 MW in 2005 to 508 MW in 2023.

While the nation has set an ambitious target of 60% renewable energy by 2030, green sources accounted for only 18.2% of the mix in 2024.

This leaves the island heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels and vulnerable to international price shocks.

National Call for “Energy Sobriety”

Authorities are urging citizens to adopt “energy sobriety” to mitigate the impact on their wallets and prevent potential blackouts.

Experts suggest that households can reduce their consumption by 15% to 20% simply by eliminating waste.

Ten Steps to Lower Your Bill:

1. Kill Standby Power: Unplug chargers and use power strips with switches for TVs and consoles to save up to 10% on bills.
2. Switch to LEDs: LED bulbs use 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.
3. Climate Control: Set air conditioning to 24–25°C rather than lower settings and ensure doors and windows remain closed.
4. Eco-Modes: Using “eco” settings on washing machines and dishwashers can cut electricity use by 30% to 50% per cycle.
5. Off-Peak Usage: Avoid using heavy appliances during the 6 pm to 9 pm peak to help stabilise the national grid.
6. Water Heating: Lower electric water heaters to 50–55°C and opt for short showers over baths.
7. Insulation: Use blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day to keep homes cool naturally.
8. Efficient Appliances: When replacing goods, choosing A++ or A+++ rated refrigerators can reduce that appliance’s consumption by 40%.
9. Digital Responsibility: Turn off routers and computers overnight and reduce screen brightness.
10. Community Action: Sharing best practices with neighbours can lead to significant grid-level savings, with some local initiatives previously saving up to 15 MW during alerts.

The Council of Ministers emphasised that while individual consumers cannot control global oil prices, collective domestic action is essential to protect family budgets and support the national transition toward renewable energy.

Source: Defi Media