Belize has embarked on a transformative energy infrastructure modernization initiative with the official launch of the $68 million CDB-BEL Power Eight Project. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank, unveiled the ambitious program that will deploy advanced metering infrastructure across the nation.
The comprehensive project represents a strategic investment in Belize’s energy future, featuring the installation of approximately 115,000 smart meters equipped with state-of-the-art communications and analytics systems. This technological upgrade will enable real-time energy usage monitoring, remote operational control, and enhanced customer engagement capabilities.
BEL Chief Executive Officer John Mencias emphasized the project’s significance, stating: “This forward-looking initiative is designed to empower our customers, optimize utility operations, and align BEL with modern energy solutions. It represents a foundational step toward building a more resilient and intelligent grid that contributes to national energy efficiency and sustainability.”
Dr. Isaac Solomon, Vice-President of the Caribbean Development Bank, expressed the institution’s commitment to the partnership: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us as main financier of this visionary initiative. Today marks an important milestone not just for Belize’s electricity sector, but for how this country prepares its energy system for the future.”
The smart grid modernization project promises to deliver substantial benefits including near real-time monitoring capabilities, improved system reliability, greater operational efficiency, and enhanced resilience against service disruptions. The implementation will position Belize’s energy infrastructure among the most advanced in the Caribbean region.