Tag:
Public Utilities Commission
Community and Society
San Pedro enforces construction regulations to promote sustainable development
On March 6th, the San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) announced via a social media post that they will begin enforcing construction regulations to tackle longstanding issues of non-compliance in San Pedro Town. This renewed focus on enforcement aims to reduce violations and promote sustainable development on the island.
Business & Economy
The Public Utilities Commission limits Starlink’s operations in Belize
The United States-based internet company Starlink has received permission to operate in Belize from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), albeit with limitations. While Starlink operates in many countries throughout the western hemisphere, its services in Belize are restricted to emergency situations, areas that are unserved or underserved, and on vessels and aircraft under the Earth Station in Motion system. Starlink aimed to provide mobile broadband and internet service across Belize, but PUC's decision to limit its coverage was supported by Prime Minister Honourable Dr. John Briceno, who stated on Wednesday, January 22nd, that these restrictions are in the country's best interest.
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
Plans discussed to upgrade the power supply for Ambergris Caye
The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, and the World Bank organized a public information session at the Sunbreeze Hotel conference room to discuss a project to enhance the resilience of the electricity system in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Held on Thursday, April 4th, the consultation outlined the details of the Belize Renewable Integration and Resilient Energy System project funded by the World Bank. It will involve a battery energy storage system, grid-resilient infrastructure, and capacity building.
Government
BEL Submits 2024-2028 Full Tariff Review Proceeding Application to the Public Utilities Commission
On March 22, 2024, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) submitted an application to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) under the Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP) for the period of September 1, 2024, to June 30, 2028.
Community and Society
San Pedro Building Unit goes entirely online
As of October 1st, anyone in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, needing to reach out to the Building Unit for a building permit will be required to do so online. According to the San Pedro Town Council, all building permit applications are to be submitted via email to [email protected]. The Building Unit can also be contacted via WhatsApp at 673-2197.
Business & Economy
No increase in electricity rates expected until June
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has decided to keep the current Mean Electricity Rate of $0.39.9 per kilowatt-hour instead of the proposed increase of $0.41.5 per kilowatt-hour. The current rate will remain until June 30, 2022.
Community and Society
Electricity rates going up; consumers and PUC call out BEL’s utility practices
The cost of electricity will increase this month through June of this year. In an official note issued on Wednesday, January 5th, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) announced that the Mean Electricity Rate or MER would be adjusted from $0.39.9 to $0.41.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. The increase was requested by Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) on December 10, 2021, reporting that it had paid more for power by the end of last year and is projecting to pay more in the first months of 2022.
