Due to the lack of regular and proper maintenance and upgrades over a long period, many communal electrical installations in Macau’s buildings pose potential safety risks to residents. Following the first phase of the program launched from 2020 to 2023, CEM shareholders have once again contributed MOP 30 million in 2026 to establish the “Safety Upgrade Subsidy Program for Communal Electrical Installations in Aging Buildings”. This program proactively assists residential buildings in low-lying areas and those over 30 years old in upgrading communal electrical installations to eliminate safety hazards.

• Residential buildings in low-lying areas affected by flooding (excluding commercial units).
• Residential buildings aged 30 years old or above (excluding commercial units)
• Its communal electrical installation is identified by CEM as high-risk case with safety hazards and in urgent need for upgrade
• Buildings that do not comply with the existing CEM’s technical specifications
• Non-economic housing and non-social housing

CEM will leverage its professional knowledge and ethics to conduct assessment and screen eligible buildings for the subsidy under the principle of fairness, impartiality and rigor.  As this program will take the protection of public safety as principle, the priority will be given to high-risk cases with immediate electrical hazards as well as buildings in low-lying areas that are affected by storm surges or classified as not complying with CEM’s existing technical specifications.

The upgrade will significantly improve the overall electrical safety of buildings while effectively reducing the risk of damage to electrical installations in low-lying areas due to flooding, ensuring a more stable power supply. 

The scope of subsidized works primarily covers the renewal/upgrade of the building’s main LV switchboard. It does not include other communal electrical installations (meter boxes, main collective line, and CCL), nor the part from behind-the-meter to customers’ premises and any end-use electrical equipment in the building. 

The scope excludes the part from behind-the-meter to customers’ premises, as well as any end-use electrical equipment in the building.

Basic maintenance works, such as cleaning, dust removal, and insulation reinforcement, can be performed concurrently during the scheduled power suspension for the project.

If individual customers have a need for an increase in subscribed demand, the corresponding customer-side works can be arranged in conjunction with the upgrade work and carried out by the contractor. However, the associated costs must be borne by the customer.

Owners who have received an invitation letter must first appoint an owner representative and obtain signed consent from owners representing at least 30% of the ownership shares (based on the building's owner register provided by IH) to initiate the application process. Before CEM submits the design plan to DSSCU for approval, the ownership shares in agreement must exceed 50%.
 

Owners of eligible buildings who have not received an invitation letter are welcome to call Info Line 2833 9911 to contact us. CEM will send representatives to assess the condition of the building's electrical installations. A formal invitation letter will be issued to the building once eligibility is confirmed.

The ownership share of a unit is based on the building's owner register provided by IH. After owners agree to participate in the program, CEM can assist in applying for this information from IH.

This program has a total subsidy of MOP 30 million. It will automatically cease and will not be extended once the subsidy is used up. In this case, you will not be able to participate.

The upgrade project cost will be shared between the program fund and the building owners. Each unit only needs to pay MOP 1,000, while more than 80% of the remaining cost will be subsidized by CEM.

After obtaining sufficient ownership consent, CEM will issue a confirmation letter to the owners, notifying them of the relevant fee of MOP 1,000 per unit. Payments can be made through the CEM APP, CEM eService, or in person at CEM Customer Service Centres.

If the upgrade works are cancelled due to failure to meet building plan requirements, environmental factors, force majeure, or other reasons preventing the works from proceeding, CEM will fully refund the collected fees to the respective owners. However, once the works have commenced, paid fees are non-refundable.

It typically takes about 6 to 9 months from submission of building plans and application for license to project completion. On-site construction works take about 1 week.

The upgrade projects will be carried out by contractors commissioned by CEM.

In general, only 1 day of power interruption for the construction works is required. If more than 1 day is involved, contractor will discuss with property owners in advance.

Once the upgrade is completed, contractor will issue a “Work Completion Notice” to owners and a one-year warranty period will begin. If any defects or damages arise due to poor quality materials or workmanship in construction, the contractor will be responsible to repair.

Communal electrical installations in buildings are collectively owned by property owners. During the construction period and warranty period, the contractor assumes responsibility for the works. After project completion and confirmation of acceptance by building representative, the responsibility for the routine maintenance and upkeep of the installations rests with the owners.