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Electricity sector in Macau

The electricity sector in Macau ranges from generation, transmission, distribution and sales of electricity in Macau, China. Electricity sector in Macau is regulated by its electric power utility company Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM), established in 1972 during the Portuguese rule.

Electricity generation in Macau

CEM's generation facility consists of three power stations. One located in the Macau peninsula: Macau Power Station (CMC). Two on Coloane Island: Coloane A Power Station (CCA) and Coloane B Power Station (CCB). Together, CEM has a total installed capacity of 472 MW.

The predominant types of generation technology deployed are the low speed diesel generator using heavy fuel oil for CCA and the combined cycle gas turbine using natural gas for CCB.

Electricity import from Mainland China

In 2012, CEM produced 376 GWh to supply 8% of Macau's 4,344 GWh gross energy demand, while the remaining 3,968 MW (92%) was imported from Mainland China through Guangdong Power Grid under China Southern Power Grid Company.[2][3] In 2013, CEM generated 7.2% electricity for Macau, while the electricity import from Mainland China rose to 92.8%.

Transmission and distribution

Electricity sector in Macau
The Macau electrical transmission network comprises 20 primary substations with a total installed capacity of 1,260 MVA in 220/110 kV, 1,500 MVA in 110/66 kV and 1,752 MVA in 66/11 kV.

As of December 2012, the high voltage transmission network consists of 281 km line made up of 220 kV, 110 kV and 66 kV cables. The 11 kV medium voltage distribution network is composed of 35 switching stations and 1,245 customer substations (11/0.4 kV) connected by cables with a total length of 617 km. The low voltage distribution network is made up of 780 km of cables. Almost all CEM's power network is constituted by underground cables which mainly come from Europe, United States and South Korea.

Macau has been experiencing an average 8.5% annual growth rate for their electricity demand. Their maximum daily electricity demand is 756.7 MW. Macau's utility frequency is 50 Hz and at 400 V (three-phase) and 230 V (single-phase).

By the end of 2007, CEM was providing electricity to 211,238 customers, in which 75% of them are in the Macau Peninsula, while the remaining 21.9% are in Taipa and 3.1% in Coloane. Electricity reaches every individual in Macau

 Electrical Plug/Outlet and Voltage
  • Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
  • Primary Socket Types: British BS-1363, Indian
  • Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.): Plug adapter
  • Click socket type links to view adapter for that type
  • 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
  • Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
For the most part, there are two types of electrical sockets (outlets) used in the Macau Special Administrative Region: the "Type G " British BS-1363 and the "Type D" Indian (old British BS-546 5 amp "small") sockets. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for both types.
  • Adapter for "Type G" British BS-1363
  • Adapter for "Type D" Indian BS-546 5 amp
If your appliance is already compatible with 220-240 volt electrical input, one or more of the following travel plug adapters (depending on which type of outlet is installed in any given specific building) will allow you to plug in. Click the link to view the ordering page for that adapter.
  • Adapter for "Type G" British BS-1363
  • Adapter for "Type D" Indian BS-546 5 amp