BEL Seeks Higher Power Cost Adjustment Cap

Belize Electricity Limited is asking the Public Utilities Commission to raise the limit on the Cost of Power Adjustment, or COPA, a move that could allow a larger charge on electricity bills.  BEL wants the cap increased from five percent to ten percent. The PUC has not approved the request and is inviting the public to weigh in before making a decision.  The commission says the current cap amounts to one point five one cents per kilowatt-hour. If the request is approved, the maximum adjustment to the average electricity rate could rise to three point zero one cents per kilowatt-hour.  BEL says its cost of buying power continues to exceed the amount covered by the current cap. The company points to high electricity prices in Mexico, lower-than-expected hydroelectric generation and continued reliance on temporary local generation to help reduce the risk of power cuts.  COPA is designed to account for the difference between the PUC’s approved reference cost of power and BEL’s actual cost of purchasing electricity. The commission introduced the adjustment under a controlled trial for the tariff period running from July 2026 to June 2027.  BEL first proposed a monthly power cost adjustment earlier this year. The PUC decided to test the mechanism under regulatory oversight, and an adjustment of approximately one point five cents per kilowatt-hour was applied to August bills. Future adjustments can go up, go down, result in a rebate or remain at zero, depending on power costs and the commission’s review.   The PUC is inviting written comments from consumers and other interested parties.  Submissions should be sent to info@puc.bz by four o’clock in the afternoon on Tuesday, November 17.