Electricity Crisis Hits Mauritius Amidst Soaring Temperatures

As the country swelters under a scorching heatwave, the Central Electricity Board (CEB) is struggling to cope with the unprecedented demand for electricity. The resulting power cuts have left thousands of households in the dark, with the Eastern, Northern, and Pailles regions being the hardest hit.

The CEB’s network is under immense pressure, with the widespread use of air conditioners and electric vehicles exacerbating the problem.

As the mercury rises, the demand for electricity is exploding, putting a massive strain on the grid.

The consequences are dire: power cuts are now a regular occurrence, leaving families to suffer through the sweltering heat without the comfort of their air conditioners or the convenience of their appliances.

At the heart of the problem lies the lack of planning and foresight on the part of consumers.

Few households bother to inform the CEB about their electrical equipment, making it nigh impossible for the board to anticipate and manage the demand for electricity.

“We need to plan our network to ensure a stable supply, but when a large number of consumers use their air conditioners without informing us, it throws our predictions off kilter,” lamented a CEB spokesperson.

Furthermore, the excessive use of air conditioners is compounding the issue.

Many consumers set their air conditioners to 16 degrees Celsius, rather than the more reasonable 23 or 24 degrees, resulting in a significant surge in electricity consumption.

When these appliances are used simultaneously, the demand for electricity skyrockets, increasing the risk of power outages.

But air conditioners are not the only culprit. The recharging of electric vehicles, particularly during peak hours between 5 pm and 7 pm, is also contributing to the grid’s woes.

A single recharge can consume up to 7 kilowatts for single-phase users and a staggering 20 kilowatts for three-phase users.

This non-negligible consumption coincides with the most critical period of the day, when households are using a multitude of appliances, from lights and ovens to washing machines and air conditioners.

The CEB is urging consumers to take responsibility and alleviate the pressure on the grid. “Between 7 pm and 9:30 pm, we reach a peak in consumption, and every kilowatt counts,” pleaded the board.

“We request that consumers delay the recharging of their electric vehicles until late at night and avoid using energy-intensive appliances during peak hours.”

Power cuts have been reported in several regions, including Pailles, the East, and the North. Thierry Ramasawmy, the CEB’s communications manager, confirmed the disruptions, stating:

“We have received complaints and are aware of the inconvenience caused. The heat-related consumption is putting our network under enormous pressure, and we are doing everything in our power to minimize the impact on our customers.”

As the heatwave continues to grip the nation, the CEB is working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of the electricity crisis.

But it is clear that a collective effort is needed to address this issue.

Consumers must take responsibility for their energy usage, and the government must invest in upgrading the grid to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

Source: Defi Media