By Aaron Humes: Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Chairman E. Andrew Marshalleck, S.C., has announced his resignation effective December 31, 2025, after five years of service. The departure comes at a time when the nation is increasingly concerned about the rising costs of electricity, heightening scrutiny on the utility’s ongoing operations.
The BEL Board expressed their gratitude for Marshalleck’s leadership, which was characterized by major advancements in the energy sector. Since his appointment in December 2020, Marshalleck oversaw significant infrastructure upgrades, including the addition of 30MW of generation capacity and 92 MVA of transmission substation capacity. These enhancements have led to a reduction in network outages by over 30 percent, significantly improving grid reliability.
Under Marshalleck’s guidance, BEL also made history by signing the country’s first power purchase agreement for a utility-scale solar plant, slated to be operational by the end of 2026. Additionally, the company launched several innovative service delivery initiatives, such as the BEL 24/7 App and the Mobile Customer Outreach Program, aimed at enhancing customer engagement and satisfaction.
However, since the government of Prime Minister John Briceño took control of BEL by buying out Fortis’s shares, electricity rates have become a contentious issue. Consumers are grappling with rising living costs, and with discussions of a potential increase in electricity rates circulating, Marshalleck’s exit has resulted in speculation regarding BEL’s future direction and the government’s intentions for the power sector.
Marshalleck’s tenure also saw a 2.3 percent drop in electricity rates, contrasting with a 19.4 percent inflation rate. Nevertheless, BEL has requested a 13 percent price hike from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) starting in January 2026 due to rising costs from energy markets that exceed the recovery allocation in current rates.
Reflecting on his tenure, Marshalleck expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside a talented team at BEL and his commitment to the future of the company. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have served and for the chance to meet and work with many of the talented managers and employees of BEL … they, together with the people of Belize, deserve a truly successful BEL,” he stated.
Early speculation suggests that former CEO Lynn Young could be named the new Chairman, while John Mencias, the current CEO, could be on his way out as his contract expires in March. Young was most recently named as the interim chairman of the Board for Hydro Belize, the successor of Fortis Belize Limited, which controlled the country’s three major hydroelectric dams on the Macal River and which Government recently acquired.
The post Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) stalwart Chairman Andrew Marshalleck resigns as Board Chairman just as electricity rates face a potential price hike appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Aaron Humes: Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) Chairman E. Andrew Marshalleck, S.C., has announced his resignation effective December 31, 2025, after five years of service. The departure comes at a time when the nation is increasingly concerned about the rising costs of electricity, heightening scrutiny on the utility’s ongoing operations. The BEL Board expressed their
The post Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) stalwart Chairman Andrew Marshalleck resigns as Board Chairman just as electricity rates face a potential price hike appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.