On Friday, November 29th, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) hosted a Media Energy Workshop to improve journalists’ understanding of the energy sector in Belize. The event brought together media professionals from various outlets to discuss key issues and developments affecting the country’s electricity landscape.
The workshop’s primary objective was to enhance the capacity of journalists by providing them with technical and historical knowledge about the energy sector. Emmanuel Pech, BEL’s Senior Corporate Communications Officer, stated, “The purpose of the media energy workshop was to build capacity and increase knowledge about the energy landscape.” This initiative is especially timely as Belize faces challenges in meeting its future energy demands. Earlier in 2024, BEL raised concerns about its ability to keep up with the growing energy demand. However, Pech assured attendees that improvements have been made, including a 33% increase in local energy capacity resulting from upgrades at the Westlake gas turbine and the recent activation of a new gas turbine in San Pedro Town.
The workshop addressed several important topics within the energy sector. Pech emphasized the significance of using energy efficiently, stating, “There is nothing wrong with enjoying the convenience of readily available energy, but it is important to use it efficiently to maximize its benefits.” He acknowledged the public’s criticisms of BEL and assured participants that the company is dedicated to finding solutions to enhance service delivery.
John Mencias, BEL’s Chief Executive Officer, also spoke to the attendees. He highlighted the necessity of diversifying energy sources and improving energy security. Mencias remarked, “The more diverse the power resources, the better the chances,” suggesting that developing an “energy-for-export industry” could present a future opportunity for Belize. However, he cautioned that Belize must navigate several challenging years ahead before achieving this goal.
The discussions highlighted BEL’s commitment to investing in more efficient power generation methods and exploring renewable energy sources. Mencias emphasized the importance of these initiatives for long-term sustainability, stating, “Before we reach that next step, we need to get through the next few years.” This sentiment reflects BEL’s proactive approach to addressing both current and future energy needs while ensuring reliability for consumers.
The workshop aimed not only to educate but also to foster a collaborative relationship between BEL and media representatives. By providing journalists with in-depth knowledge about the energy sector, BEL hopes to promote more accurate reporting on critical issues affecting electricity supply and policy in Belize. Pech reinforced this point by stating that informed media coverage can significantly enhance public understanding of energy challenges.
The Media Energy Workshop organized by BEL was an important initiative aimed at improving the understanding between the energy sector and media professionals. By enhancing knowledge and communication regarding energy issues, BEL seeks to promote a more informed public discussion about electricity supply and sustainability in Belize. As Pech stated, “A well-informed media can effectively communicate energy issues to the public,” emphasizing the crucial role that journalism plays in shaping perceptions and policies related to energy management in Belize.
