Repeated Power Cuts: CEB Reveals 102 MW Deficit Crisis; Save Energy !

In a stark revelation, Shamshir Mukoon, the Head of Production at the Central Electricity Board (CEB), has shed light on the alarming frequency of power cuts that have plagued the island in recent weeks, igniting both frustration and concern among the Mauritian populace. The root of this crisis, he explained, lies in a series of unforeseen technical failures that have severely hampered electricity production.

Since the beginning of the month, power outages have been reported with alarming regularity, often without prior warning, across various regions of the country.

Mukoon attributed this dire situation to a confluence of unexpected technical issues, compounded by an overwhelming demand for energy.

“Our planning, in theory, should enable us to meet the current demand through two major production units. However, these units are not yet fully operational,” he stated, underscoring the precarious state of the electricity supply.

In a bid to bolster production capacity, the CEB had anticipated the deployment of a 37 MW machine at the start of the week.

Yet, mere moments after its activation, two other significant units succumbed to successive breakdowns.

“It is an unfortunate chain of events. Initially, we were expecting a deficit of 37 MW.

However, with these additional failures, we now find ourselves grappling with a staggering shortfall of 102 MW on the network,” Mukoon elaborated.

This sudden drop in production capacity has resulted in surges on the national grid, particularly during peak hours between 6 PM and 9 PM.

“What we are experiencing on the network today is that we are nearly at the maximum of our capacity to supply electricity.

This leads to interruptions, often localised but frequent, across several regions of the island,” he acknowledged.

In response to this critical situation, emergency measures have been implemented to stabilise the network.

However, Mukoon warned that these solutions will prove inadequate if consumption remains high. Thus, he is calling for the active collaboration of the public.

“We urge the population to demonstrate solidarity during this challenging period. Particularly during peak hours, we encourage everyone to reduce their consumption.

For instance, electric vehicles should not be charged between 6 PM and 9 PM. If everyone can make a small effort, it can make a significant difference on a national scale,” he emphasised.

The rising number of electric vehicles on the roads presents a new challenge for the Mauritian grid.

“These are devices that consume vast amounts of electricity. If all owners charge them simultaneously, it places considerable strain on the network,” he explained.

Mukoon reassured the public that technical teams are currently mobilised to restore the malfunctioning machines and enhance system stability.

“We are taking all necessary measures to return to normalcy in the coming days. However, in the meantime, public cooperation is essential to prevent the situation from deteriorating further,” he conveyed.

He stressed that the power cuts are not a decision taken lightly, but rather a technical necessity to avert a widespread network failure.

“We are adhering to our planning. Unfortunately, this time, we have had to contend with unforeseen incidents.

Nevertheless, we remain committed to restoring balance as swiftly as possible,” he assured.

As the island awaits a return to normalcy, the CEB encourages subscribers to adopt simple measures to conserve electricity: switch off non-essential devices, use air conditioning judiciously, and avoid energy-intensive activities during critical hours.

Source: Defi Media