Energy and public utilities in Mauritius

Water service in Mauritius

An estimated 98% of households benefit from running water. The water is properly treated at the source and is potable. However, during periods of heavy tropical rains, mudslides can lead to water contamination, causing it to appear brownish when flowing from the tap. For vulnerable individuals, it is advisable to drink bottled mineral water or previously boiled water.

The water service is provided by the Central Water Authority (CWA), which currently supplies 96.4% of Mauritian households.

Important:

In Mauritius, water supply is not continuous, meaning there are interruptions starting from a certain hour in the morning until a certain hour, usually late in the afternoon.

These "dry" hours are generally longer during the summer season, synonymous with drought. Each region has its own "supply schedule"; therefore, it is important to contact your local CWA to know the valve opening hours.

Installing a water tank and pump

To ensure their homes are constantly supplied with water, even during stoppage hours, the vast majority of Mauritians install a tank at their residence.

This type of installation is available from major stores (Duraco, Resiglas, Courts Mammouth, 361, Nabridas Mauritius) or even hardware stores. For some, this tank is optimized with a water pump to ensure a more efficient water flow.

Good to know:

If you do not have plumbing knowledge or skills, entrust the installation of your tank and/or water pump to a professional.

Water service rates

For domestic water supply in Mauritius, the average price is Rs 9 per m³, but the price increases based on water consumption.

For water supply to professional structures:

• Office-type structures, etc.: 1,122 Rs for the first 33 m³ and 34 Rs per additional m³
• Commercial structures: 391 Rs for the first 17 m³ and 23 Rs for each additional m³

How to pay your water bill?

Several options are available to pay your CWA bill:

• By presenting your monthly bill at any post office.
• At the CWA office closest to your home.
• By automatic debit on a fixed date from your bank account.

Connecting or reconnecting to the CWA

First-time domestic connection 

Fill out the application form, then go to the nearest CWA office with the following documents:

• Title deed.
• Identity card or Residence Permit / passport.
• 2 approved site plans.

Domestic reconnection 

If you plan to rent a home whose water supply has been cut off at the owner's request, go to the nearest CWA office with the following documents:

• Identity card or Residence Permit / passport.
• BRN (if supply is for professional premises).
• Previous water bill.

These procedures are subject to fees:

• Reopening fee of Rs 550 for domestic supply
• Reopening fee of Rs 1,750 for professional premises supply

Useful link:

Central Water Authority (CWA)

Electricity in Mauritius

In Mauritius, 99.6% of households are connected to the electricity grid, managed by the Central Electricity Board (CEB), which is making efforts in supply management to allow consumers to prepare for outages due to maintenance work. The CEB has implemented an interactive map to track these interruptions.

The CEB is the electricity supplier in Mauritius. The parastatal organization, 100% owned by the Mauritian government and operating under the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities, produces about 40% of the country's total electricity needs from its 4 thermal power plants and 10 hydroelectric plants. The remaining 60% comes from independent producers.

The electrical system in Mauritius

The current is 220 V. Electrical outlets are mostly "British" (square plugs) in homes, but this is not systematic. Plan for an adapter as a backup. In Mauritius, you will easily find plugs, extensions, and adapters in hardware stores, supermarkets, and DIY stores. During tropical cyclone season, a generator can be useful.

Connecting to the electricity grid

Connection requests are subject to fees, including a connection tax and a security deposit. After payment, the CEB will take the necessary steps within 10 working days.

For a domestic connection

The CEB requires consumers to present the following documents:

• National identity card
• A copy of the deed of property concerned by the connection, or a copy of the lease agreement for tenants, or a copy of a transcription if the land has been transcribed to you, or a letter of authorization from your landlord (if tenant) along with a copy of the landlord's title deed
• A list of electrical appliances to be connected in watts or kilowatts

For a commercial structure

The request must be made in person or in writing, accompanied by the following documents:

• A duly signed letter from the company requesting the new supply, specifying the total connected load
• A list of declared electrical equipment to be connected in watts or kilowatts
• A copy of the company's registration card and a copy of its certificate of incorporation
• A copy of the deed of property (in case of property ownership) or an authorization letter from the owner / copy of the lease agreement if tenant
• A building permit and a land use permit, if applicable

In the case of a registered company

• A list of shareholders (those holding more than 10% of the shares)
• National identity card of the director or passport

Electricity prices in Mauritius

Electricity prices vary according to usage. Find the latest CEB tariff schedule on their website.

How to pay your electricity bill?

Several options are available to pay your CEB bill:

• By presenting your monthly bill at any post office.
• At the CEB office closest to your home.
• By automatic debit on a fixed date from your bank account.
• On the my.t Money mobile app.
• By Juice or MCB Internet Banking service.
• Online, on the Mokouran portal.
• By Blink by Emtel.
• By POP by Bank One.
• By SBM BillPay.
• By SBI Online Bill Pay.

Useful link:

Central Electricity Board (CEB)

An alert system in case of crisis

In response to the energy crisis, Mauritius has implemented a national alert system on electricity consumption, designed to prevent network overloads. A color-coded system has been established:

This system is accompanied by a broad awareness campaign: TV messages, radio, social networks, SMS, and field actions in shopping centers and public transport. The authorities aim to reduce peak consumption between 6 PM and 9 PM, during periods of high summer demand.

In yellow or red mode, prioritize using appliances off-peak (start your laundry early in the morning), turn off lights and set air conditioners moderately (24-26 °C), and anticipate possible targeted outages.

Gas in Mauritius

There is no "town gas" system in Mauritius. If you choose to cook with gas and have hot water in your bathroom, you will need to purchase gas cylinders of 5, 6, or 12 kg.

Gas prices in Mauritius

Prices are regulated by the State:

Types of gas cylinders and where to find them

You will find 3 types of cylinders:

• Red ones, sold at Total service stations
• Blue ones, at Shell and Engen service stations
• Yellow ones, increasingly rare

In addition to service stations, you will find the necessary supplies at a good number of authorized dealers.

Connecting a gas cylinder to your appliances

If you need to connect your boiler and/or cooking plates to a gas cylinder, here are the best practices:

• The cap/regulator, known here as a "gas regulator," differs from one cylinder color to another; inquire or take a photo of your cylinder and show it at the store to buy the correct model
• If you are unsure about how to connect the cylinder, ask a neighbor
• It is highly recommended to install the cylinder outdoors
• Remember to regularly change the connection hose, referring to the date indicated on the hose

Good to know:

In Mauritius, you will also find systems that allow you to connect 2 appliances to the same gas cylinder. The solution is practical, but be aware that it tends to empty the cylinder faster.

Useful link:

Total Gas for Individuals

Green energy in Mauritius

More than ever, Mauritius is working on and refining its energy policy to gradually increase the use of renewable and clean energies; this is not only to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels but also to lower its greenhouse gas emissions.

Mauritius is accelerating its energy transition towards solar: a call for tenders for 80 MW of photovoltaic projects integrated with storage systems was launched in 2025. The government plans to invest Rs 30 billion in solar energy and biomass, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Recent solar projects

Here are some recent examples of solar projects in Mauritius:

• The "Henrietta" project: 17 MW capacity, developed by Akuo Energy in local partnership. It combines ground photovoltaic and agrivoltaics.
• A new series of solar projects of approximately 80 MW (with battery storage) is open to the market via a tender led by the Central Electricity Board (CEB).
• The "Renewable Energy" pipeline of the Economic Development Board (EDB) indicates an aggregate capacity of 376.8 MW of solar and solar with storage projects underway in Mauritius.

Port Louis has also committed to a major energy transition with the launch of a large-scale solar panel installation project within the port. Led by the Mauritius Ports Authority, this program is part of the transformation of the port into a "Smart & Green Port." Several areas have already been identified to host the photovoltaic panels, and work is ongoing. This project aims to significantly reduce the port's fossil energy consumption, while enhancing energy autonomy and reducing the carbon footprint of maritime operations.

Incentives

The Economic Development Board reminds that many incentives already exist for the majority of Mauritians to actively participate in the collective environmental effort:

• Photovoltaic solar projects are exempt from VAT
• Provision for accelerated depreciation of income tax for green investment and investment in green technology equipment (50% straight-line)
• Public utility renewable energy projects are exempt from land conversion tax
• Companies and households can benefit from a tax deduction for investments in solar unit equipment
• All interest income from bonds issued to finance renewable energy projects approved by the MRA is tax-exempt

As an island, Mauritius is more than ever concerned with numerous environmental issues. Expats wishing to participate in this collective effort can, for example, act through green electricity options.

For more information on the various green installations available, you can contact Green Energy Co. Ltd, the "green" subsidiary of the CEB.

Important:

Some programs, for example dedicated to the installation of photovoltaic kits, are reserved for beneficiaries registered in the social register of their region. It is important to inquire thoroughly before signing up for this type of initiative.

Household waste management in Mauritius

Household waste management is a central issue in Mauritius, reflecting a major challenge, especially in the face of increasing pressure on landfill sites. However, notable progress is being made with the introduction of recycling programs, raising awareness among residents about the importance of environmental protection.

In 2025, the government allocated more than Rs 1.1 billion to national programs for source separation, recycling, and waste recovery. The goal is to significantly increase the percentage of recycled waste above the current 4 to 5%, while nearly half of the waste generated is recyclable. A "Waste-to-Wealth" scheme has also been launched to transform waste into compost, energy, or reusable materials.

For expatriates or residents, this means it is now strongly recommended to actively participate in source separation (separation of plastics, papers, organics), as local communities strengthen their controls and recovery services.

Household waste collection

Household waste is collected by municipal or district councils twice a week in residential areas and once a week in commercial areas. From October to March, the influx of tourists leads to a significant increase in the volume of household waste.

The country faces saturation of landfills, particularly the Mare Chicose landfill, which contains more than 10 million tons of waste. This situation raises health and environmental concerns. The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the UNDP, is developing an improvement plan for more sustainable waste and landfill management.

Awareness initiatives

The ministry, in partnership with citizen associations and NGOs, regularly organizes awareness campaigns. These initiatives aim to promote:

• Environmental protection
• The use of renewable energies
• The concept of sustainable development

Recycling actors

Mission Verte

Since 2007, the NGO Mission Verte, based in Curepipe, has been leading a recycling awareness campaign. The organization has installed numerous collection points across the island:

• Central region: Bagatelle, Moka, Rose-Hill, Beau-Bassin, Curepipe, Forest Side, Vacoas, Phoenix, St Paul
• East: Flacq, Queen Victoria, Quatre Soeurs
• South: Mahébourg, Plaine Magnien, Vieux Grand Port
• North: Terre Rouge (near Port Louis), Beau Plan, Grand Baie, Goodlands, Mare Tabac, Grand Gaube, Anse la Raie

We-Recycle

Founded in 2016, the NGO We-Recycle has also set up collection sites, particularly in the western and southern regions of the island.

Useful links:

Mission Verte

We-Recycle

Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change