What You Need to Know
Mauritius will implement new Energy Efficiency Regulations on May 1, 2026, aimed at reducing unnecessary electricity consumption. These regulations will restrict non-residential customers from using grid power for non-essential activities, such as decorative lighting and unoccupied air-conditioning. Essential services will be exempt from these restrictions, promoting responsible energy use across
Africa-Press – Mauritius. As part of efforts to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption and promote a culture of energy efficiency across Mauritius, the authorities will promulgate the Energy Efficiency (Control of Non-Essential Grid-Powered Activities) Regulations 2026.
The Regulations, which will come into operation on 1 May 2026 and remain valid until 1 November 2026, will apply to non-residential customers of the Central Electricity Board and impose restrictions on the use of grid power for activities that are not required for safety or security.
Under the new measures, certain non-essential grid-powered activities will be prohibited. These include decorative and ornamental lighting; illumination of building façades for aesthetic purposes; operation of illuminated advertising displays; operation of air-conditioning in unoccupied commercial spaces; inefficient operation of air-conditioning; operation of decorative fountains or similar installations; and lighting of outdoor sports facilities when not in use.
The Regulations, however, explicitly exempt essential services and critical infrastructure. These comprise:
Hospitals, clinics and medical facilities;
Emergency services including police, fire and disaster response services;
Public street lighting necessary for public safety;
Airport, port, air navigation and maritime safety systems;
Water supply, wastewater treatment and other essential public utilities;
Power generation sites; and Radio and Television Terrestrial Transmission services.
The implementation of these Regulations is expected to contribute to national efforts to optimise electricity usage, conserve energy resources and encourage more responsible energy consumption practices.
Mauritius has been increasingly focused on energy efficiency as part of its broader sustainability goals. The introduction of the Energy Efficiency Regulations reflects a growing awareness of the need to conserve energy resources and reduce environmental impact. Previous initiatives have laid the groundwork for these new regulations, which aim to foster a culture of responsible energy consumption among businesses and the public.
The regulations are a response to rising energy demands and the need for sustainable practices in the face of climate change. By targeting non-essential electricity use, the government hopes to optimize energy consumption and encourage a shift towards more efficient,
