Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises that it has completed works in San Pedro Town to address the technical problems on the system which caused several power outages in the municipality over the weekend. The technical problems related to an overloading on the power system in San Pedro. This is the result of significant and rapid growth in power demand in the area. To address the problem, the Company carried out works to change equipment settings to help facilitate the growth in demand.

The Company encourages customers to practise energy conservation to help reduce the impact on the system. Considering the current high cost of power, customers can also save money by practising energy conservation. Some useful tips follow:

*Turn off any lights you do not need.
*Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. CFLs and LED bulbs burn up to 75 and 85 per cent less electricity, respectively than regular incandescent light bulbs.
*Do not put your refrigerator or freezer next to a cooker, stove, oven or in the sun.
*Load and unload your refrigerator as quickly as possible. Do not leave the refrigerator door open for longer than you need.
*Never put hot food in a refrigerator or freezer. Let it cool first.
*Always try to put a full load of laundry into your washing machine or tumble dryer.
*If the weather is fine, dry your laundry outside instead of a clothes dryer.
*Do as much clothes ironing as possible in one session.

The Company apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the power outages. In the meantime, visit our website at www.bel.com.bz and listen to our energy saving tips being aired in the media for more practical ways you can save money by saving energy.