By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño launched a scathing criticism of former Public Utilities Commission (PUC) chairman John Avery during today’s sitting of the House of Representatives, accusing him of failing to adequately prepare Belize’s electricity sector for growing energy demand.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he introduced the Domestic Energy Generation and Storage Incentives Bill, 2026, which seeks to encourage investment in solar energy generation and battery storage.
Briceño referred to comments reportedly made by Avery concerning the government’s decision to waive certain taxes and duties for energy investors.
The Prime Minister argued that Avery was among the last people who should be criticizing the government’s energy policies, given his previous responsibilities as chairman of the PUC.
“He was chairman of the PUC for all these years. And it was his responsibility to ensure that Belize got more energy for future growth. And what did he do? Nothing. He failed miserably,” Briceño declared.
The Prime Minister went further, accusing Avery of neglecting the country’s long-term energy requirements.
“It’s because of his neglect people have to be paying a little bit more for energy,” Briceño claimed.
He also blamed Avery’s alleged failures for contributing to the financial challenges currently facing Belize Electricity Limited (BEL), which has been forced to rely on expensive alternative electricity generation as supplies from Mexico become increasingly unreliable.
Briceño said the government has had to find additional financial resources to ensure BEL can continue purchasing, generating and distributing electricity without passing the full cost on to consumers.
According to the Prime Minister, BEL is currently spending approximately $800,000 monthly to rent diesel generators, excluding fuel expenses.
He maintained that greater investment in domestic electricity generation during previous years could have reduced Belize’s current dependence on imported electricity.
Avery served as chairman of the Public Utilities Commission from 2008 until 2020.
The PUC is responsible for regulating Belize’s electricity, water and telecommunications sectors, including overseeing utility services and balancing the interests of consumers and service providers.
Briceño said his administration is pursuing new legislation to encourage investments in solar energy and battery storage, which he believes will help Belize reduce electricity costs and achieve greater energy independence.
The Prime Minister’s criticisms represent his assessment of Avery’s performance during his tenure at the PUC.
Avery’s response to the accusations was not available at the time of this report.
The post PM Briceño blasts former PUC chairman John Avery, blames his alleged failures for Belize’s electricity problems appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: Prime Minister John Briceño launched a scathing criticism of former Public Utilities Commission (PUC) chairman John Avery during today’s sitting of the House of Representatives, accusing him of failing to adequately prepare Belize’s electricity sector for growing energy demand. The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he introduced the Domestic Energy
The post PM Briceño blasts former PUC chairman John Avery, blames his alleged failures for Belize’s electricity problems appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.