National Energy Plan for Belize - Public Utilities Commission

Public Notice on Amended Telecommunications Orders (19/08/10)

The PUC has issuded amended Orders for the Telecommunications sector.

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Public Notice on Amended Final Decision BWS FTRP 2009 (12/08/10)

The PUC issued a public notice to inform that the Commission had amended the Final Decision in the 2009 Full Tarrif Review for Belize Water Services Limited to include tarrifs, charges and fees for the Caye Caulker Water System.

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Public Notice of Amended BWS License (12/08/10)

The PUC has issued a Public Notice to inform that the Commission had amended the License granted to Belize Water Services Limited in March, 2001.

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Public Notice to the General Public on Electrical Installation (19/07/10)

The PUC has issued a notice to the general public regarding electrical installation work in Belize.

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Public Notice on the Commission's Intention to Amend Telecommunications Orders (30/06/10)

The PUC has issued a Public Notice of its intention to amend the Belize Telecommunications General Order (Interconnection, Infrastructure Sharing, International Access) No. 1 of 2010, and the Belize Telecommunications Interconnection and Infrastructure Sharing Regulations Order, 2010, that were issued by the Commission on February 12, 2010.

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Public Notice on BWS FTRP Final Decision (31/03/10)

The Public Utilities Commission issued its Final Decision in the Full Tariff Review Proceeding for Belize Water Services on March 30, 2010.

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PUC Extends Deadline for Comments on Orders in Telecommunications (10/03/10)

The PUC has extended the deadlines for the receipt of written comments on Orders the PUC has issued, and intends to issue, for the better regulation of the Telecommunications Industry.

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PUC Issues Orders for Regulation of Telecoms Industry (12/02/10)

The PUC issued two Orders on Feb. 12, 2010 for the better implementation of the Belize Telecommunications Act.

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BWS Submits Applcation for Tariff Adjustment (02/06/09)

The PUC has invited comments from Interested Parties on an application to the Commission from BWS for an 8% increase in tariffs due to the "Notified Item" of Inflation.

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PUC Invites Written Comments on its ammendment to the 2008 ARP Final Decision for BEL (26/01/09)

The Public Utilities Commission has delayed the implementation of its ammendments to the 2008 ARP Final Decsion for BEL in order to undertake public consultation. Toward this end, the Commission issued a public notice on January 26, 2009.

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The PUC Issues Order to BEL (11/11/08)

The Public Utilities Commission issued the Belize Electricity Limited Licence Compliance Order, 2008 on November 11, 2008, in order to ensure that BEL complies with all conditions of its Licence, in particular its obligation to satisfy all reasonable requests for electricity services, and to prevent BEL from implementing new, unapproved Codes of Practice in relation to the provision of electricity services.

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PUC Public Notice on Application of New RSM for Month of October (17/10/08)

The Public Utilities Commission has issued a Public Notice on the new Rate Setting Methodology for BEL and the result of its application for the month of October.

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PUC Public Notice on the Implementation of a new RSM for BEL effective September 1, 2008 (01/09/08)

The PUC issued a public notice on the implementation of a new Rate Setting Methodology for BEL that came into effect September 1, 2008.

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Clarification of Decision 9 of BEL ARP 2008 Final Decision (27/08/08)

The PUC issues the following clarification to clear up any misunderstanding Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) may have on Decision 9 of the Final Decision in the BEL Annual Review Proceeding 2008.

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BEL ARP 2008 Final Decision (28/07/08)

Further Clarification on the Public Utilities Commission Final Decision ARP 2008 Final Decision

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OOCUR 6th. Annual Conference (15/07/08)

Belize will be the host of The Organization of Caribbean Utility Regulators (OOCUR) 6th. Annual Conference on November 5, 6, & 7, 2008. Conference Invitations and other information have been issued by OOCUR.

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BEL ARP 2008 Final Decision(26/06/08)

The PUC delivered its Final Decision in the BEL ARP on June 26, 2008.

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BEL ARP Initial Decision 2008(02/05/08)

The PUC issued an initial decision in the BEL ARP on Friday, April May 2, 2008.

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Annual Review Proceeding for BEL Commences(03/04/08)

An Annual Review Proceeding for BEL commenced on April 2, 2008 with a susbmission from BEL that proposes a 13% increase in the Mean Electricity Rate to consumers.

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PUC Issues TERP Decision(28/03/08)

The PUC issued a Decision in the TERP conducted for BEL on Friday, March 28, 2008. The PUC Decision dissaproved BEL's application for a rate increase and adjustments to the reference cost of power, MER and customer tariffs.

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PUC Receives Submission for a TERP from BEL(14/03/08)

The PUC received BEL's submission for a TERP on March 13, 2008.

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PUC Approves BEL's Transmission Grid Code(01/03/08)

The PUC has approved BEL's Transmission Grid Code. The Code is to be used as the standard in negotiations between potential IPPs (Independent Power Producers)and Belize Electricity Limited.

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Final Decision in the BEL ARP(27/06/07)

The PUC issued its Final Decision in the BEL ARP on June 26, 2997.

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BEL ARP Independent Expert Report(15/06/07)

The Inedependent Expert in the BEL ARP submitted his report on June 11, 2007.

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PUC Appoints Independent Expert(22/05/07)

The Public Utilities Commission has appointed Dr. Paul Michael Sotkiewicz in the BEL Annual Review Proceeding.

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PUC Recieves Two Objections to Initial Decision in BEL ARP(15/05/07)

Two objections to the PUC Initial Decision in the BEL Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) were filed by the deadline, May 14, 2007.

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PUC Issues BEL ARP Initial Decision(2/05/07)

An Initial Decision in the BEL ARP was issued May 2, 2007.

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PUC Issues Confidentiality Finding in BEL ARP(10/04/07)

A confidentiality Finding was issued to BEL by the PUC on April 10, 2007 on a request from BEL for confidential treatment of part of its submission to the PUC for Annual Review.

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BEL ARP Public Notice(3/04/07)

The BEL ARP Public Notice was issued at the commencment of the ARP process on April 2, 2007.

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BEL Makes Submission for Annual Review Proceeding(3/04/07)

BEL made its submission for Annual Review on April 2, 2007. The key points in the submission are: that the Mean Electricity Rate remain the same, that changes be made in rates for tariff classes and that there be increases in other charges.

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Puc Commences Annual Review Proceeding for Belize Electricity Limited(3/04/07)

The PUC commenced the 2007 Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) for Belize Electricity Limited on Monday, April 2, 2007, when BEL delivered its submission for review.

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New PUC Chairman Appointed(20/09/06)

Belmopan - 18 September, 2006 Minister of Home Affairs and Public Utilities, HON RALPH H. FONSECA, has appointed Mr. Roberto Young, as the new Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission. Mr. Young replaces Dr. Gilbert Canton who has joined Belize Natural Energy Ltd as its Chief Executive Officer.

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Logo Competition Winner Declared(18/09/06)

The PUC announced the winner of its logo competition on Sunday, September 17, during Expo Belize 2006.

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New Class Licenses Approved(30/09/06)

Some nine new Class Licenses were approved by the PUC in September. This brings the number of Class Licenses approved since 2003 to thirty four.

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PUC Issues VoIP Guidelines(23/06/06)

The Public Utilities Commission issued regulatory and policy guidelines today in relation to the issue of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

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Public Logo Competition (09/06/06)

The PUC announces a public competition for a new logo. Professional and non-professional graphic artists in Belize are eligible to participate.

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PUC Issues BEL ARP Final Decision(09/05/06)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 issued its Final Decision for the Annual Review Proceeding (ARP) conducted on the operations of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). The Final Decision confirms that the tariffs currently in force will remain in effect through June 30, 2007. These tariffs can only be revisited before June 30, 2007 by way of a Threshold Event Review Proceeding (TERP) based on fluctuations in the Cost of Power purchased or produced by BEL. The Final Decision is posted to the Publications section of this site under Decisions.

Initial Decision in BEL ARP(28/04/06)

The PUC delivered its Initial Decision in the BEL ARP on Friday, April 28, 2006. The Decision maintains the Mean Electricity Rate (MER) and Customer Tariffs at the existing levels for the Annual Tariff Period (ATP) July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007. The Licensee and interested parties now have 10 days (up to May 8, 2006) during which they may file written comments with the PUC. A copy of the BEL ARP Initial Decision can be downloaded from the Publications section of this site.

VoIP Forum Held(26/04/06)

The Public Utilities Commission hosted a public forum on VoIP to obtain analysis, feedback and the views of stakeholders and the general public on the theme, "Opportunities and Threats of VoIP in Belize." The forum was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City. Some three hundred participants attended, and the discussion was led by a panel drawn from the business community, the Association of Internet Providers, and the University of Belize. A Citizen's advocate and a speaker on the International Perspective were also members of the panel who led the discussion on VoIP. Access copies of the panelists' presentations in the Publications Section of this site under Telecommunications.

VOIP Public Forum (12/04/2006)

The PUC invites the public to take part in a Public Forum on VOIP on April 26, 2006

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BWS APA Application withdrawn (05/04/2006)

On Tuesday April 4, 2006 Belize Water Services (BWS) withdrew their application for an Annual Price Adjustment (APA)

BWS APA Commences (03/04/2006)

On Monday April 3, 2006 the PUC received a submission from BWS which commences an Annual Price Adjustment (APA). BWS has applied for an 8.76% increase in tariffs due to inflation, interest costs and electricity rate costs. Copies of the submission are available from the BWS Head Office and the PUC Office at Regent Street. The PUC will accept written comments from the public until April 13, 2006.

BEL ARP Commences (31/03/2006)

On March 31, 2006 the PUC received a submission from BEL commencing an Annual Reveiw Proceedings (ARP) for BEL.

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Final Decision in BEL TERP (31/12/ 2005)

The PUC delivered its Final Decision in the BEL Threshold Event Review Proceeding (TERP) on December 31,2005. A copy of the Final Decision can be downloaded from the Publications section.

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New Electricity SI(20/12/2005)

The Public Utilities Commission hereby informs the general public that on December 20, 2005 Statutory Instrument no. 145 of 2005: Electricity (Tariffs, Charges and Quality of Service Standards) Byelaws 2005 was Gazetted, and shall take effect from 1st July 2005. The new Byelaw means that Statutory Instrument no. 60 of 2001: Electricity Tariffs, Charges and Quality of Service Standards Byelaws 2001 stands repealed.

Electricity SI Amendments(1/12/2005)

The Public Utilities Commission hereby informs the general public that Statutory Instrument no. 60 of 2001: Electricity Tariffs, Charges and Quality of Service Standards Byelaws 2001 is being amended to incorporate decisions reached in the Full Tariff Review Proceedings with Belize Electricity Limited. A final draft of the Amendment to the Byelaw is available for comment in the "Publications" section.

Final Decision in BEL FTRP(15/07/ 2005)

The PUC delivered its Final Decision in the BEL Full Tariff Review Proceeding on July 14,2005.

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Independent Consultant Report Issued in BEL FTRP(22/06/ 2005)

The PUC has received the report of Mr. Dennis Colenutt, Independent Consultant, who reveiwed the PUC's Initial Decision in the FTRP for BEL.

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PUC deliver Initial Decision on BWS IRP and APA

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) issued its "Initial Decision" on an application submitted by BWS for an Interim Review. The review was based on �exceptional circumstances� and is to provide for an increase in tariffs to compensate for the impact of recent increases in taxes by the government. The PUC also approved an Annual Price Adjustment (APA) for BWS to compensate for inflation in 2004.

PUC Delivers Initial Decision in BEL FTRP(18/04/ 2005)

The PUC delivered its Initial Decision in the Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP) for the Belize Electricity Ltd. on April 18, 2005. The FTRP commenced on March 2, 2005.

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BWS Makes New Application for Tariff Increases(9/04/ 2005)

The PUC commenced consideration of another application for tariff increases from Belize Water Services Ltd. on April 7, 2005.

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PUC Delivers Final Decision in BWS ARP(30/03/ 2005)

The PUC's Final Decision in the BWS ARP was delivered on March 30, 2005, adopting its Initial Decision of March 8, 2005.

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PUC Hosts Caribbean Regulators for Workshop in Belize(24/03/ 2005)

Caribbean Utility Regulators were hosted by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in Belize for a workshop on "Utility Regulatory Institutional Development and Capacity Building" on March 22, 2005. Members of the utility regulators of Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana and the Bahamas as well as Belize, attended.

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Initial Decision in BWS ARP (9/03/2005)

The PUC delivered its Initial Decision in the BWS ARP on Monday, March 8, 2005. BWS had applied for a 7% rate increase in its application.

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FTRP for BEL Commences (2/03/2005)

A Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP) for Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) commenced on March 2, 2005 with a submission to the Public Utilities Commission from the company for an increase in tariff. An intitial decision on BEL's submission from the PUC is due in April.

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Cost of Power Consultation Paper (23/02/2005)

The PUC commences a series of forums around the country on 23/2/05 to present the information and receive the views and comments of the public on the cost of power for electricity. The forums are being held as a precursor to the Full Tariff Review Proceedings for Belize Electricity Ltd. due to begin in March. A consultation paper on the cost of power has been prepared by the PUC and is being made available to the public for consideration.

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BWS ARP Commences (21/02/2005)

The PUC commenced an Annual Review Proceeding for BWS on February 7, 2005. This, after an application from BWS on December 20, 2004 for a 7% rate increase due to what it claims were shortfalls in revenue resulting from the reclassification of consumers in some municipalities into water only and water and sewer customers, and increased costs for chemical treatments at the company's Double Run Water Treatment plant.

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BWS Application for an Annual Review Proceeding (3/01/05)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC), on December 20th, 2004 recived an application for an Annual Review Proceedings (ARP) from the Belize Water Services (BWS). BWS in their submission is seeking an increase in water tariff to be applied in the next Annual Tariff Period, which commences on 1st, April 2005. BWS is seeking the increase to compensate for what they are claiming is a material shortfall in revenue originating from the reclassification of customers in water only and water and sewer classes, and increased chemical costs for water treatment at the Double Run Facility.

PUC's response to BEL's application for Tariff increase (08/10/04)

The PUC issued a press release concerning the Belize Electricity Limited's application for an increase in tariff

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PUC approves Codes of Practice for BWS (13/09/04)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has approved a "Codes of Practice" for the Belize Water Services Limited (BWS.) These Codes of Practice include a "Customer Code", a "Disconnection Code" and a "Leakeage Code". The purpose of the Codes of Practice is to establish a transparent protocol that defines the utility/ customer interface for the effective, efficient, fair and non discriminatory delivery of water and sewerage services to the customers of BWS. They give greater definition of the interface between the utility and its customers.

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Public Utilities Commission release on Illegal House-To- House Connections (15/07/04)

The Public Utilities Commission today issued a press release concerning developments in the elctricity sector. Included in the release is the "approved practice" for the connection of electricity. The public was also advised that the common practise of illegal and unsafe house-to-house connections must be discontinued.

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Employment Opportunity(1/06/04)

The Public Utilities Commission has a vacancy for a Project Manager/Administrator, under an International Development Bank funded Strengthening of the Public Utilities Commission Project. A full-time Project Manager/Administrator is being sought to coordinate the implementation of the two-year project including managing project activities, finances and organising project consultants.

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Public Utilities Commission Tariff Decision for the Telecommunication Sector (7/05/04)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) after detailed analysis issued its decision on Tariffs for the Telecommunication Sector. The PUC has the duty to ensure that rates for telecommunication services are fair, reasonable and cost based pursuant to section 6(2)(0) and Section 26 (1) of the Belize Telecommunications Act,2002 and Section 15 (2) of the Public Utilities Commission Act, 1999.

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Final Decision under Full Tariff Review Proceedings for BWS (19/04/04)

Following the review proceedings as provided for in Statutory Instrument 67 of 2002, the Public Utilities Commission(PUC) has reached its "Final Decision" on the application by Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) as submitted on October 31, 2003. To view the Final Decision, please select Publication, Water Sector and Decisions.

Chief Justice Dismisses PUC's Motion Against BTL(05/03/04)

Preliminary objections by BTL of the PUC Motion requesting the Supreme Court to declare the lawful rates in the telecommunications sector as those in existence prior to the BTL rate rebalancing of December 1, 2001 and to order BTL to refund consumers who were overcharged due to the rebalancing were heard by Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh on February 27 and 28, 2004. The Chief Justice dismissed the PUC motion after hearing the presentation of arguments for and against the objections by Attorney Lois Young-Barrow on behalf of BTL and Attorney Derek Courtenay who represented the PUC, on March 5, 2004.

Independent Expert Report(27/02/04)

Dr. Richard Hern submitted to the The Public Utilities Commission (PUC)his report on the PUC's Initial Decision pertaining to Belize Water Services Limited(BWS)Full Tariff Review. In conducting his review Dr. Hern met with and obtained submissions from both BWS and the PUC. Dr Hearn's report included amongst other things , the recommendation for a 17 percent revenue increase.

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PUC Delivers Its Inititial Decision in BWS FTRP (16/12/03)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) delivered its Initial Decision in the Full Tariff Review Proceeding (FTRP) for Belize Water Services (BWS) on December 15, 2003. The Initial Decision provides for a 15% revenue increase for BWS, as well as new rate and fee structures to be employed in the five year period. To view the the PUC's Initial Decision go to publications and select Water Sector and Decisions.

FTRP Public Hearing (11/11/03)

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) held a public consultation meeting on November 10, 2003 as part of the Full Tariff Review Proceedings (FTRP) for the Belize Water Services Limited (BWS). Members of the public were invited to present their views and comments on the submitted BWS business plan for the Full Tariff Period April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009.

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Belize Water Services Limited & the Public Utilities Commission First Full Tariff Review Proceedings (31/10/03)

On October 31st, 2003 the Belize Water Services Limited (BWS) in accordance with Statutory Instrument No. 67 of 2002 ( Water & Sewerage (Tariff) Byelaws 2002), entered into a Full Tariff Review Proceedings (FTRP) with the Public Utilities Commission through the submission of BWS' proposed business plan for the Full Tariff Period Apirl 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009. The FTRP is the review proceedings prior to each Full Tariff Period during which the PUC reviews, amends and approves the Business Plan proposed by the Licensee and sets out Tariffs for the Full Tariff Period.

PUC Responds to BTL's Customer Advisory (26/08/03)

The Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) in the Tuesday 26 issue of the Amandala newspaper, publised a Customer Advisory on its planned rate revision. In response the Public Uitlities Commission (PUC) issued a press release notifying the public that the proposed new rates have not been been approved by the PUC and are in violation of the rates prescribed by law.

Vacancy for an Administrative Assistant (21/07/03)

A vacancy exist at the Commission for the position of Administrative Assistant. Applications must be received by midday on Wednesday August 6, 2003

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New Player Poised to Enter Telecom Market (8/07/03)

Publication of the PUC's intention to grant an Individual License to a third service provider in telecommunications during the week of July 6, 2003 signals the rapid changing of this sector to an increasingly competitive one. SpeedNet Communications Limited, with headquarters in Orange Walk Town, is the newest player in Belizean telecommunications.

Chairman of the PUC, Dr. Gilbert Canton, says the Commission is committed to the creation and fostering of a competitive environment and granting a license to SpeedNet is in fulfillment of that objective.

Publication of the PUC's proposed intent to grant SpeedNet an Individual License is required by law to give the Commission the opportunity to hear the views of stakeholders in the sector and the public in general. Representations should be sent to the PUC at its headquarters, #63 Regent Street, Belize City, or by email to consumeraffairs@btl.net not later than July 28, 2003. All representations will be considered by the PUC.

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Final Decision on BEL's Annual Rates Proceedings (18/06/2003)

The PUC and the Belize Electricity Ltd. has completed the annual rate proceedings for the period: July 1,2003 - June 30, 2004.

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BEL Approved Rates for 2003 - 2004 (18/06/2003)

Upon completing the annual rates proceedings, the approved tariffs for the period July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004 has been set.

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Electricity Outages(May 20, 2003)

The PUC has issued a press release concerning the recent spate of electricity outages. For details click on link below.

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BECOL to contruct generating station (April 2, 2003)

The PUC has granted consent to BECOL for the construction, extension and operation of a generating station. We invite you to view the Reasons for the Determination and the consent documents.

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Short Term Consultants(28/02/2003)

The PUC is currently in need of short term consultant(s) to undertake a Commercial/Industrial Energy survey in Belize, under its National Energy Plan Project. To view details on the consultancy, please go to the Publications page and select Press Release and Electricity Sector

Challilo Dam (28/02/2003)

Belize Electric Company Limited (BECOL)has submitted to the PUC an application for consent to construct and operate the Challilo Dam. Due to technical difficulties some project documents are not available on the site at this time but copies are available for viewing at the PUC's office located at #63 Regent Street, Belize City. To view the available documents, please go to the Publications page and select Press Release and Electricity Sector.

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