October 26, 2001
BEL restores power to 26% of customers affected by hurricane Iris in the south

Belize Electricity Ltd Press Release

Two weeks after Hurricane Iris devastated southern Belize and damaged Belize Electricity Limited's distribution system down south, the utility has restored electricity service to approximately 26% of its customers, and says that BEL's infrastructure will be rebuilt to service another 24% of its customers by the end of this week.

"A total of more than 2,600 customers lost electricity services as a result of Hurricane Keith," said Michael Polonio, Vice President, customer services. "By Monday, October 22, we had already restored service to 700 customers, and expect to have restored service to another 200 by the end of the week. We will have most of our distribution system rebuilt, and will be ready to reconnect customers whenever they are ready to receive our service."

Polonio added the remaining customers should have service restored by the week of November 9, 2001.

BEL's restoration works have been progressing ahead of schedule, and all main primary lines (high voltage), with the exception of Bella Vista (where there were at least 100 damaged poles spanning 5 miles of lines) should be rebuilt by Thursday, October 25, in the three areas: Independence Village and surrounding communities, Placencia Peninsula, and the rural areas of the Toledo District.

In Toledo, all primary lines have been already restored in 10 of the 11 rural communities that lost supply. The last community, Jordan, is expected to have service by today, October 23, 2001. Work continues on the installation of transformers, rebuilding the low voltage system, repairing customer service entrances, and connecting services and streetlights

In Independence, all primary lines will be rebuilt by Thursday. The submarine line to Placencia has been energized, and the gas stations, medical clinic, hotels, fisherman depot, and port all have electricity. All surrounding communities in the area, except Bella Vista, now have electricity service

From Placencia to Maya Beach, all the main high voltage lines will be in service by Thursday. The simultaneous rebuilding of the low voltage system and installation of transformers is also ongoing. By Thursday, BEL expects to start providing electrical service to priority customers.

In the interest of safety to lives and property, BEL advises all customers in these areas, that it is mandatory to have premises and the weather head connection inspected by licensed electricians prior to the restoration of service. This will help expedite the reconnection process.

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