Tag:
Comisión Federal de Electricidad
Business & Economy
BEL Explains Higher Electricity Bills Amid $30 Million Debt to Mexican Power Supplier
On Monday, August 24th, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) addressed concerns over recent increases in electricity bills, attributing much of the higher consumption to increased temperatures associated with the dry season. BEL Executive Chairman Lynn Young explained that appliances and electronic devices consume more energy during hotter weather. Meanwhile, the company disclosed that it owes approximately $30 million to Mexican power supplier Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).
Community and Society
BEL Warns of Possible Increase in Power Outages Amid Mexico Supply Concerns
On July 14th, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) warned that increased planned power outages may become necessary after Mexico's Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) advised that electricity exports to Belize could be reduced. The utility first implemented load-shedding in late April 2024 and has since cautioned customers that interruptions could return if CFE supply declines further while domestic electricity demand remains high.
Business & Economy
PUC Maintains BEL Electricity Rates, Rejects Automatic Monthly Tariff Adjustments
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has maintained Belize Electricity Limited's (BEL) current base electricity rates for the 2026-2027 tariff period while declining the utility's request to introduce automatic monthly rate adjustments. Instead, the Commission will evaluate the proposal through a closely monitored Regulatory Sandbox before considering its wider implementation.
Business & Economy
BEL Cites Rising Costs in Bid for Higher Electricity Rates
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has applied to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for a 5.55-cent increase in the Mean Electricity Rate (MER), equivalent to a 13.9 percent rise, to take effect on January 1, 2026. The request comes at a time when Belizeans are already grappling with a rising cost of living, higher food and fuel prices, and ongoing concerns about the stability of the national power supply.
Community and Society
BEL Provides Updates Following the Major Outage on Friday, September 26
At 1:52 p.m. on Friday afternoon, BEL experienced a sudden loss of supply from one of its major suppliers, Mexico's Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), following a major system collapse in the Yucatan Peninsula. At the time of the supply loss, CFE was carrying 46% of the total system load with the remaining load being supplied by BEL's Westlake Gas Turbine and the Fortis Belize and Hydro Maya hydroelectric plants. BEL's grid protection system activated immediately to restore the system balance by shedding load in various parts of the national grid. This resulted in outages in service areas countrywide except for Belmopan, Ladyville, and parts of San Ignacio and rural Belize District.
Government
BEL asks Public Utilities Commission to declare electricity emergency
Belize is facing serious electricity-related issues threatening its economic growth and energy stability. Due to difficulties securing additional energy sources, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has warned that peak electrical demand is expected to exceed current generation capacity within the next year. To minimize the risk of recurring blackouts, BEL has requested the Public Utilities Commission to declare a power generation emergency following an unplanned outage that affected nearly the entire country on Tuesday, November 12th.
Community and Society
BEL Manages Power Supply During CFE’s Planned Maintenance
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) informs our Customers and the public that Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico has given notice to BEL that it will be doing planned maintenance on the interconnection between BEL’s transmission grid and CFE’s substation at Xulha. As a result of this, BEL is not be able to source energy from CFE for a period of five days between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. every day from Monday, February 5 to Friday, February 9, 2024.
Community and Society
BEL addresses countrywide power supply issues; plans to become more independent
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) announced its plans to depend less on Mexico's power supply on Tuesday, May 31st, after a lengthy power outage on Friday, May 27th. The country purchases electricity from the neighboring northern country, and often when there are electrical problems in Mexico, Belize is affected.