By Belize Live News Staff: The Government of Belize has launched a Special Electricity Committee (SEC) to create a long-term master plan to fix the country’s electricity challenges. The SEC, chaired by Dr. Leroy Almendarez, CEO in the Ministry of Public Utilities, was formed after a high-level emergency meeting convened by Prime Minister John Briceño on June 20.
Belize is facing a critical moment in its energy sector. With increasing demand, frequent blackouts, and overdependence on imported power, the government is taking urgent steps to stabilize the grid, secure affordable prices, and prioritize cleaner, more sustainable power sources.
The SEC’s mandate includes updating Belize’s Least Cost Expansion Plan (LCEP), conducting national grid studies, mapping out solar, battery storage, and baseload energy options, and launching short-term solar plus BESS projects. The plan also includes exploring energy-sharing agreements with Mexico and Guatemala, and introducing an Independent System Operator (ISO) to oversee grid and market operations.
With input from government ministries, the PUC, BEL, and private sector energy experts, the SEC aims to ensure all Belizeans have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
