Belize Electricity Limited

On Wednesday, July 24th, the Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities (CARILEC) released the results of its 2024 study on the rates charged by electric utilities in the Caribbean. The study showed that out of 22 regional utilities, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) ranked fourth for the lowest charge rate compared to other regional utilities. Currently, only three regional utilities have lower prices than BEL and receive subsidies from their respective governments. 18 of the 22 utilities have higher monthly bills compared to BEL customers. Belize is proud that BEL continues offering beneficial rates for industrial and residential customers, ensuring more affordable options for consumers than other Caribbean providers.

Despite the reduction in planned power outages by the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), the power supply remains unstable across the country. The power crisis has impacted San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and BEL had hoped to install a mobile gas turbine by mid-June to bolster the power supply to the island. However, this plan has encountered setbacks due to the failure of one of the transformers connecting the gas turbine to the national grid. As a result, residents are informed that there will be a delay in getting the gas turbine up and running as the company needs to acquire a replacement transformer for the facility. The new expected timeline for the completion of the gas turbine installation is the end of July.

The power crisis in Belize is ongoing, with planned power outages, also known as 'load shedding,' happening daily across the country. This measure, implemented by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), stabilizes the national grid and meets power demands. Power rationing is a concern in areas like San Pedro, Ambergris Caye as it impacts the tourism industry. Many stakeholders have reported losses due to this issue but remain hopeful that if the crisis is addressed correctly, it will not significantly affect the country's leading tourism destination.

The country is currently experiencing a severe drought, which is not only affecting the agricultural sector but also threatening energy as well. For the past weeks, the water level at the Fortis Dam hydroelectric reservoir has been dwindling, and its management has stated that there will be only enough water for about two more weeks.

At first glance, the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye looks like paradise, with clear waters, white sandy beaches, and high-end resorts. Life is primarily centered in San Pedro Town, a haven for tourists. However, tucked on the island’s outskirts, out of sight of tourists, lies another view for locals: the San Mateo subdivision. This disparaged community, with approximately 1500 residents, suffers from years of neglect and poverty.

Over the past weeks, Belize has grappled with planned power outages, a measure Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is taking to stabilize the national grid and meet power demands. Despite the challenges, BEL is diligently working to minimize power interruptions and enhance its self-sufficiency in electricity generation, especially after its primary provider from Mexico reduced the supply. However, these necessary actions have not been without consequences, with disruptions to daily life and the commercial sector in areas like San Pedro Town and Ambergris Caye.

The country's energy crisis continues, but Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is tackling the issue as best as possible. To maintain power stability on the national grid, BEL is implementing daily load shedding or planned outages for some regions of the country. This has become necessary as BEL currently does not have enough generation capacity in the country after its primary provider in Mexico has been unable to supply them due to power demands on their side.

s part of our long-term plan to bolster system capacity and reliability and build a modern energy services infrastructure, our Generation Team, in conjunction with a team of engineers and technicians from General Electric (USA), has commenced works to upgrade the capacity of the Gas Turbine at BEL’s West Lake facility (Mile 8 George Price Highway) to 30 MW from its current maximum output of 19 MW.