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Cut Waste Now: 3 Crucial Habits to Lower Energy Consumption
The Mauritian government has declared a “serious” energy emergency, warning that the current power crisis could prove more volatile than the disruptions seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Energy Minister Patrick Assirvaden confirmed that the national electricity grid is now operating on a “yellow” alert—similar to a warning traffic light—after safety reserves were slashed to 20-25 megawatts from the standard 30-35 megawatt margin.
Supply Chain Shock
The crisis was triggered by conflict in the Middle East beginning on 28 February, which has throttled the supply of heavy oil—the primary fuel used for Mauritian power generation.
The island remains heavily dependent on imports from the United Arab Emirates.
In a bid to stave off a total blackout, a crisis committee involving the Central Electricity Board (CEB), the State Trading Corporation, and the Ministry of Commerce has been established. Emergency measures include:
- Alternative Sourcing: Active searches for new fuel suppliers outside the Middle East.
- Coal Substitution: Independent power producers have been instructed to increase coal usage to preserve oil stocks, despite the Minister acknowledging the higher environmental pollution levels.
- Legislative Reform: Plans to amend the Energy Efficiency Act to mandate smarter consumption.
“Zero Tolerance” for Waste
Minister Assirvaden signaled an end to energy negligence, stating that “waste will no longer be tolerated.”
Authorities are specifically targeting high-consumption zones such as shopping malls, public buildings, and schools, where excessive lighting and unnecessary air conditioning have been identified as major drains on the fragile system.
“Every unit consumed requires production,” the Minister noted, emphasizing that unnecessary usage directly depletes the nation’s dwindling heavy oil reserves.
THE COST OF COOLING
| Device | Energy Impact |
| Air Conditioner | Uses as much energy as multiple lightbulbs combined; continuous draw. |
| Lightbulb | Low consumption; incremental impact. |
| The 18°C Factor | Setting AC to 18°C forces the unit to work significantly harder than at 24°C-25°C. |
A Call to the Next Generation
The government is also appealing to the island’s youth to act as “energy stewards.”
Children are being encouraged to adopt simple habits at home and in the classroom to alleviate pressure on the grid.
Key recommendations for students include:
- Switching off fans and lights in empty classrooms.
- Ensuring refrigerators are closed immediately after use.
- Unplugging chargers and electronics rather than leaving them on standby.
Beyond the immediate crisis, officials frame these actions as essential for a sustainable future.
By reducing electricity waste, the island not only manages the current fuel shortage but also reduces the overall pollution generated by burning heavy oil and coal.
Source: l’Express
