BEL Reports on Countrywide Power Outages
Sunday, January 15th, 2012
Press Release – Belize Electricity Limited – January 13, 2012 – Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) experienced several intermittent power outages on its system between 12:17 p.m. and 4:16 p.m. today.
Our protection system has indicated that the power outages were caused by a ground fault on our power system. A ground fault occurs when there is an accidental or intentional contact between a live conductor and the ground. These faults can be the result of a failed insulator, or intermittent contact of trees, animals or other foreign objects with the transmission lines.
Earlier today, BEL line crews conducted surveys of the power system, however, were unable to identify the foreign object making contact with the lines. BEL employees will continue to survey its power system tomorrow to identify the object responsible for the ground fault.
The intermittent interruptions in power supply initially affected the Belize and Cayo Districts, thereafter the entire country. The countrywide power outage shortly after 1:00 p.m. affected the Northern Zone (Corozal & Orange Walk Districts and San Pedro) for approximately 10 minutes and power supply was restored to the Belize and Cayo Districts within an hour. The Southern Zone, which includes the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts was fully restored at 4:16 p.m.
BEL is encouraging the public to call the Company at 0-800-235-2273 (0-800-BEL-CARE) if anything unusual is seen on our power lines.
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