BEL Warns of Possible Power Outages as Mexico Faces High Electricity Demand

Belize Electricity Limited is warning that several communities may experience power interruptions tonight as electricity demand remains high in Mexico. BEL says Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad, or CFE, has indicated that it may need to reduce the amount of power supplied to Belize because of heavy demand on its own system. As a result, BEL has issued a tentative load-shedding schedule from seven o’clock to ten o’clock tonight. The possible interruptions would affect sections of Belmopan, including University Heights, Maya Mopan, Las Flores, the J&W area and Rivera.  Communities along miles thirty-one to fifty on the George Price Highway could also be affected. These include Mahogany Heights, St. Matthews, Harmonyville, More Tomorrow, Cotton Tree, Roaring Creek, Valley of Peace, Camalote, Teakettle, Ontario, Buena Vista, San Marcos, Santa Teresita, Selena and Los Tambos. Areas along the Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Armenia are also included.  BEL says the schedule is based on projected energy demand and available generation and could change at short notice. The company explains that load shedding is used to reduce pressure on the national grid and prevent a wider system failure.