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2 clusters · 3 sources · 1 days · First seen · Last updated

Electricity cost and supply challenges in Barbados and Beliz

Overview

Electricity consumers in Barbados and Belize are facing rising costs driven by infrastructure needs and supply shortages. In Barbados, the Fair Trading Commission has authorized the Barbados Light & Power Company to invest in synchronous condensers to improve grid stability, with costs expected to be recovered through future electricity rates.

In Belize, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) has faced financial strain due to purchasing power from Mexico at rates higher than consumer charges. To address this, the Public Utilities Commission approved a Cost of Power Adjustment.

Following these developments, BEL has addressed consumer complaints regarding sharp increases in billing. Executive Chairman Lynn Young denied allegations of systematic overcharging, attributing higher costs to increased consumption, longer billing periods, and the transition from old meters to more accurate electronic devices. The company aims to complete the rollout of these new meters by 2028.

Entities

Belize Electricity Limited · CFE · Fair Trading Commission · Barbados Light & Power Company · Lynn Young

Timeline

  1. 19 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Belize Electricity Limited addresses rising consumer billing complaints

    Belize Electricity Limited is responding to complaints about high electricity bills, citing increased consumption, meter reading adjustments, and seasonal appliance use rather than systematic overcharging.

  2. 19 days ago

    [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Electricity rates rise in Barbados and Belize amid grid and supply challenges

    Consumers in Barbados and Belize face rising electricity bills as utilities implement rate adjustments to fund grid upgrades and cover high power procurement costs.

Sources

barbadostoday.bb · channel5belize.com · lovefm.com