Tag:
Public Utilities Commission
Government
PUC Moves Forward with Partial BEL Rate Increase
The Public Utilities Commission of Belize issued an initial decision on December 12, partially approving a rate increase requested by Belize Electricity Limited. BEL asked for an increase of $0.0555 per kilowatt-hour in the Mean Electricity Rate. However, the PUC did not approve the full request and instead proposed an increase of $0.0337 per kilowatt-hour, resulting in a new Mean Electricity Rate of $0.4427 per kilowatt-hour.
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.
Government
BEL Applies for Adjustments to Electricity Rates to Cover Increases in Energy Supply Costs
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) informs its Customers that it has submitted a rate case application to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for an increase of 5.55 cents in the average price of electricity, by way of adjustments to the associated tariffs, to take effect from January 1, 2026.
Government
Belize’s Public Utilities Commission Approves 13.5% Water Rate Hike for 2026
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has officially approved a 13.5% increase in the Mean Water Rate (MWR) for Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL), effective April 1, 2026. The adjustment follows the PUC's release of its Initial Decision in the 2026 Full Tariff Review Proceeding for BWSL, which marks significant changes to water tariffs and billing structures for customers nationwide.v
Government
Caribbean Leaders Chart a Sustainable Future for Water at CWWA Conference
The first-ever Belize edition of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) Conference and Exhibition concluded on October 23rd in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, with a closing ceremony that featured speeches, awards, and the introduction of new board members. The 34th annual conference highlighted innovation, collaboration, and Caribbean culture, all of which came together to shape the future of water and wastewater management across the region.
Government
PUC Final Decision Rejects BEL’s Proposal for Rate Increase
On June 12th, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) of Belize issued its final decision rejecting Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) proposal for an electricity rate...
Government
National Restoration of Utilities Committee Holds Critical Planning Meeting to Strengthen Disaster Preparedness
The National Restoration of Utilities Committee (NRUC) convened at the Belize Port Authority Conference Room for a pivotal planning meeting to enhance coordination and preparedness for the 2025 hurricane season and other potential disasters. Chaired by Dr. Leroy Almendarez, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from BEL, DIGI, SMART, BWS, Fortis, UNO, the Port Authority, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Belize Broadcasting Authority.
Community and Society
BEL requests electricity rate increase
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has officially requested an increase in electricity rates by filing a proposal with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on April 4, 2025. The proposal suggests raising the average price by three cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), changing it from $0.40 to a minimum of $0.43 per kWh. If approved, this increase would take effect on January 1, 2026, and remain in place until June 30, 2028.
