Electricity Rates Hold Steady as PUC Introduces New Monthly Power Cost Adjustment

Electricity rates will remain unchanged for now, following a final decision by the Public Utilities Commission, PUC, on Belize Electricity Limited’s annual review.  The decision covers the period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The PUC says it will not change any of the rates, charges or fees approved last year.  However, customers could see small monthly changes in their electricity bills under a new system called the Cost of Power Adjustment, or COPA. The system is intended to account for changes in the amount BEL pays to purchase electricity from local and regional suppliers. If BEL pays more than the approved cost, it may seek to recover the difference. If it pays less, customers could receive a reduction.  Any monthly adjustment must first be reviewed and approved by the PUC. The increase or decrease will be limited to no more than 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour in any given month.  BEL must submit its request within fifteen days after the end of each month and can only use money collected through COPA to pay for purchased electricity. The arrangement takes effect immediately and will remain in place until June 30, 2027.  The PUC says the conditions are intended to help BEL manage changes in power costs while protecting consumers from sharp increases in their monthly bills.