# Belize energy supply and financial instability

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/belize-energy-supply-and-financial-instability
> Updated: 2026-09-09T21:37:01.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 3.

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has been navigating significant financial and operational challenges regarding its energy supply. The company reported a debt of approximately $30 million to Mexico’s state-owned supplier, Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), with $20 million of that amount overdue. This financial strain is attributed to electricity costs frequently exceeding the rates collected by BEL.

Following these financial difficulties, the nation experienced a nationwide blackout caused by a sudden drop in electricity supply from CFE. The disruption led to a collapse of the national grid when local generation could not meet evening demand, resulting in a 19-megawatt shortfall. While power was gradually restored after CFE resumed supply, BEL has warned of potential future load shedding due to limited domestic resources, seasonal renewable energy fluctuations, and maintenance issues.

To mitigate risks associated with CFE supply fluctuations and environmental factors, BEL Executive Chairman Lynn Young noted that the utility has applied to the Public Utilities Commission for emergency generation. 

More recently, BEL has issued warnings regarding potential power interruptions and load shedding across various communities due to a projected power shortfall. Dr. Leroy Almendarez, CEO of the Ministry of Public Utilities, explained that while Mexico serves as a backup, BEL lacks sufficient domestic reserves to meet demand when external supply is unavailable. A tentative load shedding schedule has been implemented to prioritize critical services, such as hospitals and schools, while rotating outages across regions including Belize City, San Ignacio, Dangriga, and Corozal.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Belize Electricity Limited warns of potential power outages

Belize Electricity Limited warns of potential load shedding and power outages due to high demand and limited domestic and Mexican energy supplies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belize-electricity-limited-warns-of-potential-power-outages

### 2026-08-27: Belize faces energy insecurity following nationwide blackout

Belize experienced a nationwide blackout after a supply drop from Mexico’s CFE left a 19-megawatt shortfall. BEL warns of potential further load shedding due to limited local generation and seasonal factors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belize-faces-energy-insecurity-following-nationwide-blackout

### 2026-08-25: Belize Electricity Limited faces $30 million debt to Mexico's CFE

Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has reduced its debt to Mexico’s CFE to approximately $30 million, aided by government assistance, as high power costs continue to exceed electricity revenue.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/belize-electricity-limited-faces-30-million-debt-to-mexicos-cfe

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Cite as: Belize energy supply and financial instability. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/belize-energy-supply-and-financial-instability