BEL Update on Service Improvements for Caye Caulker CustomersBelize Electricity Limited (BEL) continues to deliver on its commitment to improve services to customers in Caye Caulker through ongoing system upgrades and by increasing its generation capacity for the island.
Since November 2019, the Company has installed seven higher capacity transformers in areas with a high demand for electricity. These new transformers enable BEL to better manage supply to residences and businesses and serve the increasing demand brought on by the rapid pace of commercial development on the island.
The newly installed generation unit for Caye Caulker will increase BEL's generation capacity to 4.1MW. This is 70% more than the island's peak demand, and is well above international standards for electricity generation supply to small insular communities. Load testing and fine-tuning of the unit started on Wednesday, February 19, one week later than originally scheduled, and is expected to continue through to February 25. During this time, customers may experience intermittent supply fluctuations and outages.
Once the new generation unit is fully operational, maintenance works will commence on the other units supplying Caye Caulker and are programmed to continue until the end of April. The total generation capacity for the island will therefore fluctuate while the units are taken out of commission for servicing; however, the remaining firm generation capacity will be sufficient to meet peak demand during this time.
BEL is also keeping the community abreast of these developments and met with the Caye Caulker Village Council on Friday, February 14 to provide updates on the Company's ongoing and upcoming projects to ensure a safe, reliable and sustainable service to customers.