B.E.L. Reaches Out to Our Customers in Time of Crisis

Earlier this week, the Belize Electricity Limited said it was making a contribution of one million dollars to assist in combating the spread of COVID-19.  Now, the clamour on the ground has been for B.E.L. to waive electricity charges in the months ahead in light of the economic downturn and the joblessness faced by many households.  The sole provider maintained that it buys power and because of its operating expenses, it does not have the cushion to provide electricity free of cost. Today, B.E.L. softened its position to say that it will apply a credit to the accounts of over seven thousand customers in the social classification for the February and March electricity bills. This credit will apply even if a customer has already paid their monthly bills. Customers classified in the social bracket are those who consume an average of sixty kilowatt hours or less monthly, solely for domestic use. The utility company is also suspending disconnections through April for those customers in the Social and Residential classifications countrywide, and for all hotel and restaurant customers as well as for tour operators. This measure will be revisited thereafter.  B.E.L. is also reaching out to customers who may have difficulty paying their electricity bills and are asked to contact their customer care representatives.