By Belize Live News Staff: Your electricity bill may rise by 2026 if the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approves a request by Belize Electricity Limited (B.E.L.) to increase the electricity rate by three cents per kilowatt-hour, from 40 to at least 43 cents. The proposed hike would take effect on January 1, 2026, and remain in place until June 30, 2028.
According to B.E.L., the rate adjustment is necessary to offset rising fuel and energy import costs, meet growing demand, and support major investments in infrastructure and renewable energy integration. The company also pointed to the impact of inflationary pressure on operations and maintenance costs.
The PUC will review B.E.L.’s 91-page proposal over the next 30 days, after which the public will have 10 days to comment before a final decision is made.
B.E.L. forecasts that the cost of power will increase by 3.35% annually, with generation needs expected to surge 5% per year. It also revealed that its operational expenses consistently exceeded PUC-approved thresholds by $2–$4 million between 2020 and 2024.
The company highlighted a 28% growth in fixed assets since 2020 and says it invested an average of $33 million annually in grid upgrades and service expansions, adding over 2,000 new customers per year. That number is now over 113,000 — a 25% rise since 2016.
The proposal also includes a $300 million revenue requirement for 2024–2025 — down $43 million from the last cycle — aimed at sustaining operations and planning future upgrades.
