Belize Electricity Limited Addresses Increased Energy Demand Amid Heatwave

Belize Electricity Limited says that the ongoing heatwave has driven up the country’s demand for energy and the company is trying to make adjustments to keep up. BEL issued a statement today noting that the demand for power in the month of October is 12 percent higher than originally projected, as Belizeans try to manage the heat. The company said that unusually dry weather conditions this rainy season have reduced the output from the hydroelectric dams.  The problem is further complicated by fuel shortages for the BAPCOL power plant in southern Belize due to supply chain issues caused by political instability in Guatemala. BEL cautioned that its customers may experience periodic blackouts and urge that they practice energy conservation where possible. The company assured that it is working with bulk-power producers to address the issue and is a long-term plan is being implemented to increase the capacity and reliability of energy generated in country.