Safety Upgrade Subsidy Program for Communal Electrical Installations in Aging Buildings:

Objectives

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. In view of this, CEM shareholders launched the first phase of the “Safety Upgrade Subsidy Program” between 2020 and 2023. This initiative not only effectively eliminated immediate electrical hazards in the relevant buildings, but also raised public awareness of electrical safety.
 

CEM, after consultation with the Government, will further assist residents in building a safety barrier, CEM shareholders contribute MOP 30 million again in 2026 to subsidize the safety upgrade of communal electrical installations in old buildings. CEM will supervise the technical aspects and appoint contractors to carry out the upgrade works. 
 

Why Participate?

• Upgrade aging communal electrical installations to enhance electrical safety
• Reduce the risk of flooding damage to electrical installations in low-lying areas
• Implement upgrades alongside CEM power enhancement projects to increase power capacity, making it easier to apply for increased subscribed demand and improve quality of life
• Technical supervision of the works will be handled by CEM to ensure quality

Fees and Payment Methods

• A fixed fee for low-rise old buildings is MOP 1,000 per unit. All remaining costs will be subsidized by CEM, with the total subsidy covering over 80%.
• Payment can be made through the CEM APP, CEM eService, or in person at CEM Customer Service Centres during office hours.

Eligible Buildings

The 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 determined as not complying with CEM’s existing technical specifications.  

• Residential buildings in low-lying areas affected by flooding (excluding commercial units)
• Residential buildings in other areas 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

Scope of Subsidy

• The scope covers the building’s main LV switchboard, as issues are commonly found. Upgrading these installations cab address risks such as flooding and overload.
• The scope excludes rising busbars, CCL, the part from behind-the-meter to customers’ premises, any end-use electrical equipment in the building and decorations of the building’s facade and public areas. 
• For communal electrical installations not covered by the upgrade, basic maintenance (e.g., cleaning, dust removal, insulation reinforcement) can be carried out during the power suspension.
• Customers with increased power demand may arrange corresponding upgrades during the program, but such costs must be borne by the respective customers.

How to Participate?

Property owners who had received an invitation letter:

Step 1: Appoint a Representative Building owners must appoint one representative to liaise with CEM. The representative is responsible for communicating with all residential unit owners/occupants and coordinating with CEM and its contractor on construction arrangements and completion confirmation.   Step 2: Submit Documents Submit the following documents to CEM 1. Signed “Declaration of Consent” * 2. ID copy of all owners who signed the aforementioned “Declaration of Consent” *Application can be submitted once signatures representing 30% of the ownership shares are collected; Over 50% of ownership shares must be obtained before CEM can submit the plan to the Land and Urban Construction Bureau for approval and commence work.

 

Property owners of eligible buildings who have not received an invitation letter:

Please contact CEM at Info Line 2833 9911 or e-mail us at Safety.Upgrade@cem-macau.com.

Notes for Customers

1. The subsidized upgrade works under this program mainly covers the building’s main LV switchboard, and excludes rising busbars, CCL, the part from behind-the-meter to customers’ premises, any end-use electrical equipment in the building and decorations of the building’s facade and public areas. For communal electrical installations that are not part of the renewal or upgrade scope, basic maintenance, such as cleaning, dust removal, and insulation reinforcement, can be performed concurrently during the scheduled power suspension.
2. Since electricity demand varies for each household and increasing subscribed demand will result in higher electricity bills, customers are advised to decide on increasing subscribed demand based on actual usage needs.
3. The new communal electrical installations will be wall-mounted, with cables installed as surface wiring. Floor penetration for cable routing will be performed if necessary.
4. The cost of the upgrade works will be jointly borne by the program subsidy and property owners. Each household is only required to pay MOP 1,000, while the remaining costs will be subsidized by CEM. The works will be carried out by the contractor appointed by CEM.
5. Building owners must pay their share of the cost to CEM before the works commence.
6. If other unrelated building issues (including but not limited to electrical installations) are discovered during construction, CEM and its contractor will not be responsible for addressing them or for any costs incurred in resolving such issues.
7. Building owners must appoint one owner representative to liaise with CEM. The representative is responsible for communicating with all residential unit owners/occupants and coordinating with CEM and its contractor on construction arrangements and completion confirmation.
8. The building's communal electrical installations are jointly owned by the owners. The contractor is responsible for all workmanship and warranty obligations related to the construction. After project completion and acceptance confirmation by the building representative, the maintenance of the related installations will be the responsibility of the owners.
9. Customers must ensure that there is sufficient space at the building site for the works and that environment does not pose any obstructions or hazards to workers.
10. Under no circumstances shall CEM be liable for any loss or damage arising from the works under this program, including but not limited to property or economic loss, personal injury, or death. CEM shall also bear no responsibility for any damages suffered by the customer or a third party after the completion of this program.
11. Upon completion of the upgrade works, the building owner representative must sign the “Work Completion Notice” with CEM.

FAQ

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