7 News Belize

PUC Rejects BEL Request For Rate Increase
posted (December 24, 2015)
Two weeks ago we told you that BEL was applying for an increase in electricity rates - taking the average up from 35 cents per kilowatt hour, to 38 cents per kilowatt hour.

The power company's position was that the cost of power from the GAS turbine was underestimated.

Well the PUC answered them today with the equivalent of a corporate slapdown.

The order made by the PUCS today says it, quote, "approves no adjustments to the Mean Electricity Rate and Tariffs previously approved for the period January 1, 2016, toJune 30, 2016, and hereby orders the Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to levy the currently approved Tariffs in respect of the relevant services it is licensed to provide;"

The PUC also approves no adjustments to any other values, rates, charges or fees and concludes, sternly, ordering "BEL to continue to levy the…previously approved Tariffs, Charges and Fees.

Now, we note this is just the final draft of an order, and BEL can appeal. Will it? There was no comment from the company today.

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