By Belize Live News Staff: With electricity bills climbing for many households, some Belizeans have pointed the finger at the newly installed smart meters. But Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Executive Chairman Lynn Young says the meters are not the cause, and insists the increases come down to how much energy is being used during the hot season.
According to Young, the timing of the complaints tells the story. He noted that May was the hottest period of the year, and that BEL sees a rise in high-bill complaints during warm months every year. Since electricity consumption in Belize is largely driven by heat, he explained, household appliances end up working overtime, from refrigerators and fans to air conditioning units, pushing up usage and, in turn, bills.
Young also broke down how the General Sales Tax can make a hot-weather bill sting even more. He pointed to the $100 GST threshold, explaining that a customer whose bill usually falls just under that amount could cross it during a high-usage month. Once the bill passes the threshold, GST applies to the full amount, adding an extra layer to the increase.
Another contributor, he said, is estimated billing. When a meter reader is unable to access a meter, an estimate may be used. If those estimates are based on cooler months and a hot month follows, customers can be caught off guard when the actual reading catches up, resulting in a sharp bill.
Addressing the smart meter concerns head-on, Young was clear that BEL had looked into the matter. He said the company investigated every complaint brought to its attention and, in no case, found the new meters to be responsible. He added that the meters are tested and the results documented, expressing confidence that each high bill has its own individual explanation.
