BEL begs consumers to cut back their use of electricity as power supply runs low.
by Kristen Ku
BELIZE CITY, Thurs. June 22, 2023
Belize is on the edge of a possible power crisis. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reported a significant reduction in power supply from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) of Mexico, which has been experiencing generation shortages due to increasing demand for power in the Yucatan peninsula. A surge in power demand combined with a shortage of in-country generation supply has begun to strain Belize’s power infrastructure, leading to consistent blackouts in several areas.
In a recent interview, representatives of BEL had warned about the possible power crisis that was brewing in the region. They highlighted the delicate balance of the power supply in Belize, dependent as it is on regional and in-country generation capacities.
The warnings have now manifested into a harsh reality; households and businesses across the country are expected to be affected.
In an urgent notice issued to customers at 8:00 p.m. on June 21, BEL informed that the CFE was battling generation shortages due to heightened power demand in the Yucatan peninsula. As a result, the Mexican power company has cut back its supply to Belize, fluctuating between 0 MW and 10 MW.
“The current system demand on the grid is 106 MW, and total available in-country generation supply to the grid is 107.5 MW. Any loss of generation at this time will result in power outages,” read the BEL notice.
In an appeal for cooperation, BEL asked customers to help ease the situation by switching off all unused electrical appliances and air conditioners. “We thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to do our best to keep the lights on for Belize,” the statement said.
The scarcity of power supply has been worsened by changes in weather conditions, which have influenced the country’s peak power demand and the time of day it is experienced. According to BEL’s forecast, the peak power demand on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, was expected to reach a high of 117 Megawatts (MW) at around 2:00 p.m.
BEL also encouraged residents to continue managing their energy consumption during peak demand hours, typically between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the afternoons and between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in the evenings.
The power crisis highlights Belize’s crucial dependence on external power supplies and emphasizes the urgent need for greater in-country generation capacities.