Posted: Thursday, May 19, 2016. 7:49 p.m. CST
By Aaron Humes: Belizeans are set for a slight increase on average in electricity rates, after an independent expert appointed by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) reviewed the submissions of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) for the 2016 to 2020 Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP).
BEL had asked for an increase of four cents per kilowatthour from 35 to 39 cents, but the PUC’s initial decision set the mean electricity rate at 36 cents per kilowatthour, to which BEL objected.
Today the state-owned power company announced that it accepted the report of the independent expert after review, having accepted that he was suitably qualified and assured that he followed the guidelines for the review.
The expert recommends giving BEL most of what it wants, with rates to rise to an average of 38.64 cents from July 2016 to June 2020.
BEL says it trusts that the PUC will adapt and implement the recommendations in the best interest of customers.
It justifies the proposed increase as a boon for customers, saying that they will be able to benefit from needed improvements in safe, reliable and more accessible electricity supply thereby stimulating quality of life and national development. The PUC is to issue its final ruling shortly.
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