Tag:
Public Utilities Commission
Business & Economy
BEL Adds COPA Charge to August Electricity Bills
Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has implemented a new Cost of Power Adjustment (COPA), increasing electricity charges by 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour on bills issued in August 2026. The adjustment was announced on August 19 and took effect immediately. It follows a final decision by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and applies to customers across Belize, including San Pedro, except vulnerable households receiving the Social Rate.
Government
Amid Growing Opposition, Cabinet Decides Not to Support BTL’s Proposed Acquisition of SMART
In February of this year, the Government of Belize paused the proposed acquisition of Speednet Communications Limited, which operates SMART, by Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL). At the time, the government indicated that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) needed to be involved in the process first. Fast forward to August 4th, it was announced that BTL's Board of Directors had approved proceeding with the proposed acquisition. The announcement prompted concerns from several citizens and organizations, with opposition continuing to grow as discussions surrounding the proposal advanced.
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
PUC Market Review Highlights BTL’s Dominance Following Acquisition Talks
Belize’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its final ruling on market dominance in the telecommunications sector on March 10, 2026. The decision confirms that Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL) holds dominant positions across multiple retail and wholesale telecommunications markets under the Belize Telecommunications Act. The ruling follows a public consultation and introduces regulatory measures to boost competition in the sector.
Business & Economy
Water Bills Set to Increase Under New PUC Tariff Decision
Belize’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its final decision on February 17, 2026, approving a 13.5% increase in the Mean Water Rate (MWR) for Belize Water Services Limited (BWSL) for the 2026–2031 tariff period. The new tariffs, set out in the Commission’s Schedule 6 decision, take effect on April 1, 2026, and apply to mainland areas, including Belize City and Belmopan, as well as San Pedro and Caye Caulker. The adjustment is expected to raise average monthly bills by approximately 5.5%.
Business & Economy
Electricity Rates Rise, BEL Says Maintaining Service Will Be Challenging
Now in 2026, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) began rolling out new electricity tariffs on January 1st, following approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC approved a three-cent-per-kilowatt-hour increase over 30 months. BEL had requested an increase of nearly five cents over 24 months.
Business & Economy
PUC Approves Amendment to BEL’s ARP 2025 Final Decision
On December 11, 2025, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its Initial Decision on amendments to Belize Electricity Limited’s (BEL) 2025 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) Final Decision.