PM: “We Are In Trouble Right Now With Mexico”

Belizeans always feel the pinch of electricity prices during peak demand, and the government says it’s taking steps to secure a more stable power supply, separate from what’s provided by  Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE).

“We are in trouble right now with Mexico, as much as you might not want to accept it, we are in trouble,” Briceño said. “And BEL is very, very concerned. When the heat is on, they take advantage of us. They raise that price to US$1 a kilowatt.”

To reduce reliance on imported electricity, the government has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based company Energy Transfer. The proposal involves generating 50 megawatts of power locally, which Briceño says would help provide long-term energy security.

He explained that the project would not only improve reliability at home but also open the door for Belize to export energy to neighbouring Central American countries.

While still at an early stage, the initiative is part of a broader effort to diversify Belize’s energy sources, complementing the recent acquisition of the Fortis hydroelectric dams, which currently supply about a third of the nation’s power.