Belize and Mexico Talk Energy Security

On Wednesday, Prime Minister John Briceño met with Mexico’s new Energy Minister, Luz Elena Gonzalez Escobar. Their discussion centred on energy security, the continuation of their power purchase agreement, and improving energy transmission infrastructure in Belize and southern Mexico.

PM Briceño said on social media, “We as well reviewed challenges facing the energy sector on both sides of the border and reiterated assurances for the continued bilateral relationship.” 

Representatives from Mexico’s Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) were also in the meeting. 

This year, Belize has faced a record amount of load shedding. On May 2, Belize Electricity Ltd. CEO John Mencias explained that Mexico’s CFE could only supply 20 megawatts due to contractual limits. Mencias clarified that CFE’s actions were within the contractual arrangements, stating, “What we purchase from CFE is called opportunity cost energy… it is interruptible at any moment’s notice.”

Following a May 13 meeting between Briceño and Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, CFE agreed to increase its supply to 75 megawatts. This effort alleviated some power shortages. Briceño stated, “The Mexican energy provider will now supply a total of seventy-five megawatts to the national grid.” 

Belize generates about 60% of its electricity from renewable sources, the highest in the Caribbean, with hydroelectric power playing a key role. Fortis Belize Limited operates three hydroelectric plants on the Macal River, contributing up to 40% of the national grid.