5 February 2018, Macau

With Chinese New Year just around the corner, Companhia de Electricidade de Macau (CEM) continued to provide free inspection and maintenance of household electrical installations to 20 senior citizens who live alone in social housing units, so as to enhance their awareness of using power safely at home and deliver greetings to them ahead of Chinese New Year.

CEM launched its Community Program in 2000, being one of the first organizations in Macau to launch such program. Since then, each year CEM would collaborate with different local groups under the Program and send its volunteer team of electricians to provide free inspection and maintenance of household electrical installations for senior citizens who live in solitude, under-privileged families as well as people with special needs.

Cecilia Nip, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Communications Senior Manager, said that the number of elderly people who live on their own or with spouses is on the rise, and some of them are low-income folks. For these individuals, safe use of electricity and appropriate electrical installations are particularly important. She hopes relevant activities can enhance their awareness of using power safely.

All senior citizens were referred by the Housing Bureau. CEM and the Housing Bureau arranged electricians to inspect and maintain their household electrical installations. Ko Kai Ho, a senior singleton aged 85, thanked of CEM’ volunteers and the Housing Bureau for helping to inspect and repair his electrical installations. He had been worried about accidents caused by old wires in the past, he feels much safer now.

One of the CEM electrician volunteers Cheong Chi Keong who participated in the activity said, “Senior citizens share the same inappropriate practice when using electricity, including overload of multiple plug sockets and power strip, and usage of damaged cable due to the lack of household safety awareness. Especially when using fan heater in such cold weather, it is easily to see accidents happened. Through the Program, we could help senior citizens inspect and maintain their power installations as well as remind them about correct usage in a safe way, in the hope of making them feel more reassured in daily life.”

In addition to the participation of employees from the Housing Bureau and CEM to provide senior citizens with free inspection and maintenance of electrical installations, Cecilia Nip also paid a visit to senior citizens living in solitude, extending greetings and blessings to them for the upcoming Chinese New Year.

This year, CEM will continue to carry out the “Community Program” and expand its service scope. Besides accepting referrals from local groups, CEM also welcome citizens to refer disadvantaged individuals in need (those to receive assistance shall hold valid beneficiary cards issued by the Social Welfare Bureau) . For details and registration, please visit www.cem-macau.com or call 8393 1206.