Mauritius CEB Forecasts Record Power Demand of 610 MW in Summer 2027

Mauritius's national power utility is bracing for a significant jump in electricity demand over the coming years, with the Central Electricity Board (CEB) projecting a peak load of between 600 and 610 megawatts (MW) during the summer of 2027. The CEB — the state-owned body responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity across Mauritius — has flagged this forecast as part of its forward planning efforts to ensure the national grid can handle growing demand without blackouts or supply disruptions. **Why is demand rising?** Several factors are driving electricity consumption upward in Mauritius. Rising temperatures linked to climate change are pushing households and businesses to use air conditioning for longer periods during summer months (roughly November to April in the Southern Hemisphere). Economic growth, increased industrial activity, and the expanding use of electric vehicles are also expected to add pressure on the grid. The projected 600–610 MW peak represents a notable increase from current consumption levels, and the CEB must ensure that generation capacity, transmission infrastructure, and reserve margins are all in place well ahead of that date. **What is the CEB doing about it?** The CEB has been investing in grid upgrades and working to diversify Mauritius's energy mix — moving away from heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels such as coal and fuel oil toward renewable sources including solar and wind. The government has set an ambitious target of generating 60% of the island's electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Meeting the 2027 summer peak will require not only sufficient installed capacity but also reliable backup generation and smart grid management to balance supply and demand in real time. **What this means for Mauritians** For households and businesses, the CEB's forward planning is reassuring — it suggests the utility is aware of the challenge and working to prevent the kind of load-shedding (scheduled power cuts) that has affected other island nations in the region. However, meeting this demand sustainably will likely require continued investment in renewables and potentially higher electricity tariffs in coming years to fund infrastructure upgrades. Consumers can also play a role by adopting energy-efficient appliances, shifting heavy electricity use to off-peak hours, and investing in rooftop solar panels, which reduce pressure on the national grid. The CEB's forecast will be a key reference point for energy policy discussions in Mauritius as the government maps out its 2030 renewable energy roadmap. Source: Le Defi Media