FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How to apply for a domestic supply?

To connect an electricity account for residential purposes, an application must be made in person at, or in writing to any CEB Customer Service Center or via email on customerservice@ceb.intnet.mu together with the following documents:

(a) National Identity Card of the applicant or Passport ID;

(b) A copy of the applicant's title deed;

• Or a copy of a Lease agreement, if applicant is resident on State Land;
• Or a copy of a transcription, if land has been transcribed to the applicant;
• Or a letter of authorisation from the landlord, if customer is a tenant, as well as a copy of landlord's title deed.

(c) Building & Land Use Permit for the said premises, wherever applicable

(d) A list of declared electrical appliances to be connected in Watts(W) or Kilowatts(kW)

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2. How to apply for a commercial or industrial supply?

To connect an electricity account for commercial or industrial purposes, an application must be made in person at, or in writing to any CEB Customer Service Center or via email on customerservice@ceb.intnet.mu together with a copy of the following documents:

• A letter, in the name of the company, stating the purposes for a new supply and specifying the total connected load;
• A copy of the company's Business Registration Card together with a copy of its Certificate of Incorporation;
• A copy of the Title Deed in case of ownership of the building;
• A letter of authorisation from the landlord if the applicant is a tenant, as well as copy of the title deed;
• A Building & Land Use Permit, wherever applicable;
• An operation License or Trade Fee Receipt or Exemption Certificate (as applicable) from the relevant authorities, wherever applicable;
• In case of a registered company, a list of shareholders (those holding more than 10% of shares);
• National Identity Card of the Director(s) or Passport ID;

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3. What happens after notifying the CEB for a new domestic supply?

Each application is given a specific Business Partner (BP) Number, if the customer does not already have an electricity account with the CEB. The customer will have to quote this number whenever he/she contacts the CEB.

A Technical Officer will visit the proposed site for electrification following an application. In case the CEB Low Voltage network is available and that the load request of the applicant can be supplied, the Technical Officer will inform the applicant of the works to be done by his/her qualified electrician. It is important to note that the installation of a RCD (Residual Current Device) is mandatory.

After completion of works as required, the applicant must inform a CEB Customer Service Agent of any CEB Customer Service Center, by calling in person, or by phone or through a letter. The Technical Officer will then carry out a second visit to ensure compliance and to verify the quality of the works.

However, in the event that the Low Voltage network is not available, the applicant will be asked to pay a processing fee for the preparation of a cost estimate with respect to the extension of the Low Voltage network. The cost of this project will be eventually claimed to the applicant.

The CEB proposes the following claim settlement possibilities possibilities (commonly referred to as loan contribution) to particular categories of customers, subject to certain conditions;

(i) in case of a domestic consumer, the latter can either  opt to settle the full costs for the network extension project which shall thereafter  be refunded to him/her over a period of four years or choose to pay off half of the total estimates without any refund #

(ii) for industrial development, the customer may be entitled to a refund of the projecy estimates for a period of five years #

Note: # conditions apply to benefit from these facilities

1. The loan is refundable in five equal instalments without interest, the first instalment being payable one year after the supply is made available to the consumer.
2. Should the consumer’s supply be disconnected before the expiration of the period of refund, any balance of loan outstanding at the date of cessation shall accrue to the Board by way of compensation.

After payment of a connection fee and security deposit (see table below), the CEB will endeavour to connect the supply to the said premises as soon as possible.

The first statement of account (electricity bill) shall be delivered to the customer approximately two months following the effective connection of electricity.

4. What can I do if I cannot afford the Project Cost claimed for LV Network extension?

After reception of the Cost Estimate Letter from the CEB, the customer can apply for LV Extension Assistance (applicable for domestic supply only) provided that he/she meets the acceptable criteria and that he produces the following documents:

• Applicant’s latest salary slip
• An affidavit certifying the monthly household income
• Identity Card of Applicant
• CEB claim letter
• Copies of development/ construction permits (2 copies)
• Copy of title deed

5. Why is the CEB charging MBC TV License each month on my electricity bill while I do not watch MBC TV? What should I do to remove this MBC TV License?

As per provision of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (Collection of Licence Fees) Act 1984, "every person who is liable to pay an electricity bill for domestic consumption shall pay the appropriate Licence fee".

Also as per the provision of the Central Electricity Board Act 1964, "the Central Electricity Board shall for and on behalf of the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation collect the licence fees and surcharge payable under the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation (Collection of Licence Fees) Act 1984".

Hence in light of such enactment, a TV licence fee is claimed from domestic consumers of electricity in the circumstances mentioned hereunder:

1. All consumers who have declared a TV Set at time of application for supply;
2. As and when instructed by the MBC.

6. Why is there a charge of Rs 150 on my CEB bill for MBC TV License Fee while some other customers do not pay anything for the same item?

As per prevailing legislation, the applicable charges for MBC TV License fee are as follows:

7. When does the CEB disconnect the electricity supply?

(a) If a customer wishes to terminate his/her electricity account, he/she may apply for disconnection of the supply and settle any amount due on his/her electricity account prior to closure of the said account.

Please note that after disconnection, you may receive 1 or 2 bills which may become due depending upon the last readings taken.

• If the customer has not paid his/her bill as at the due date
• If the customer has consumed electricity illegally
• In case the customer's installation has an internal fault and is causing a disruption of supply on CEB’s distribution network.
• If the customer's electrical installation is found to be unsafe such as during/after a fire outbreak;

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8. How do I have my electricity supply reconnected in case of non-payment?

If the customer's supply has been disconnected for non-payment, the customer will be required to pay a disconnection/ reconnection processing fee of Rs 450* along with full settlement of all outstanding bills within fifteen days. In case the debt remains unpaid after that period the account will be closed. The CEB will take legal actions to recover any outstanding balance on the account.

Once the account has been closed, the customer shall have to follow steps 1 or 2 to obtain a new electricity account.

*This fee is subject to revision at any time as approved by the Board

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9. How to transfer an electricity account from one name to the other?

Electricity Accounts are non-transferrable. The existing policies require that the present Account holder makes a request to close his/her electricity account. The new occupier should then make an application for electricity at the said premises with all required documents as mentioned in question 1 and 2 above.

However, the leaving account holder may also make the application of electricity supply on behalf of the newcomer with all required information as per question 1 and 2. 

The CEB advises that the internal electrical installation should be well protected with a Residual Current Device, as mandated by law, prior to release of electricity supply in the name of the new entrant.

The following documents are to be produced by the new occupier:

• a rental or lease agreement;
• sales deed of the property;

10. Why should a customer inform the CEB when he/she is moving out of the actual premises to a new one?

A customer is advised to apply for a closure of the electricity account in his/her name so as to ensure that any new occupier does not consume electricity on the same account. Once the application is received, the CEB will close the existing electricity account after ensuring that all bills have been duly paid failing which legal action may be contemplated.

The customer is invited to apply for a new electricity account at the new supply premises as mentioned above. The customer should also inform the Customer Services Agent on which address to deliver the electricity bill.

11. Can a minimum charge be applied to an electricity account when the customer’s premises are not being occupied or when travelling overseas for a very long period?

A minimum charge is the minimum payment required for the load declared by the customer at the time of application. This charge caters for the CEB’s capability to provide the declared load demand as and when customer may require same. This cannot be changed unless a survey of load is carried out at the said premise to confirm any amendment in the declared existing load. 

Should a customer wish to proceed with the survey of load for confirmation that no equipment is still installed at his/her concerned premise, the CEB should be informed of same so that an inspection can be initiated. 

On the other hand, the customer is advised to have the electricity account closed and a new electricity account opened on his/her return to Mauritius, should the customer not be agreeable to pay for a monthly minimum charge. However, in this case the application would have to re-start afresh, as per the existing policy where new connection fees and security deposit would be applicable as well as administrative documents for processing the request.

12. How do I pay my bills?

• By Direct Debit from your bank accounts
• At CEB Cash Offices island-wide (advance and part payment accepted)
• At Post Offices
• At two CWA offices listed below

• By mailing a cheque to Central Electricity Board, Royal Road, Curepipe (date of reception of the cheque will be considered as date of payment)
• By Internet Banking (MCB, SBI and SBM). Contact your bank for more details.
• By ATMs and Point of Sales by using SBM Billpay service
• By sms using Orange Money facility
and Juice

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13. How can I make an enquiry or lodge a complaint?

The CEB is committed to handling customer complaints and enquiries in a courteous and efficient manner.

• Phone or call in person at Customer Service Centers (From 08:30 to 16:00 hours) as per table below

• Write to: The Senior Customer Services Officer, Central Electricity Board, Royal Road, Curepipe
• Alternatively, you can also email us at customerservice@ceb.intnet.mu

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14. How do I contact the CEB in case of a technical fault or power outage?

The CEB provides a 24/7 reporting service, through its 130 helpdesk, for any emergency repairs or complaints relating to technical faults or power interruptions. The CEB endeavours to attend to complaints in connection with the above within 24 hours unless there is a force majeure. 

All planned outages are communicated to the public through the media. If the customers have a power outage but notice that their neighbours still have power, they are advised to check their fuses or circuit breakers. If everything is found to be in order, then the customers can call CEB's emergencies and fault line on 130, which will also provide up-to-date information on outages whenever available.

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15. How can I help the CEB?

• Giving to CEB officers safe and convenient access to sites where CEB meters and installations are located
• Informing the CEB in the event of not receiving their monthly bill by phone, mail or email or at the nearest Customer Service Centers
• Reporting any power interruption
• Informing the CEB of any increase in their load at their premises.
• Reporting cases to the CEB where customers tamper with their meters
• Avoiding interference with any broken lines
• Preventing anyone else to interfere with their electricity meter
• Informing the CEB through 130 of any street lighting problems; e.g. black- out or daylight burning of a series of lanterns
• Making a global effort towards energy saving and teaching children how to save energy
• Branches touching with CEB conductors
• Providing suggestions or feedback to the Customer Service Officer in writing

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16. How to save on my electricity bill?

Customers may use the following tips to save energy at home:

• Replace all incandescent lamps by compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs that allow about 70% savings on lighting.
• Use timers or movement sensors in lighting for security purposes
• Electronic equipment, battery chargers and other equipment should be unplugged or removed from standby mode, when not in use.
• Unnecessary lights should be switched off and desk lamps with CFLs should be used when working at a desk.
• Avoid lowering the temperature of air conditioning thermostat by more than 5°, with respect to ambient temperature to allow cost savings and ensure that all doors and windows are kept closed.
• When using a kettle, do not fill it in to the top, if all the water is not needed.
• Make use of fans as far as possible so as to reduce the cost on air conditioning.
• When there is warm ambient temperature, the setting for a water heater should be fixed for the lowest temperature.
• When using washing machines for laundry, ensure that temperature setting is on low or cold. This would result in a big saving on washing costs.
• Always use washing machines and dish washers only when they are fully loaded, as this would enable better efficiency of the equipment.
• Avoid opening and closing of the refrigerator too frequently.
• Make use of solar panels for water heating as much a possible.
• Remove and clean room air conditioners monthly as dirty filters reduce the efficiency of air conditioners.
• During warm months, keep blinds and curtains closed as they would protect room from direct sunlight
• Use light colour shades when painting walls inside your house, as this would mean less lighting fixtures and hence lower lighting costs.
• Consider planting trees around your house, as this would provide a cool atmosphere inside your house and in your garden, and hence reduce the use of air-conditioners.

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