15-Hour Power Outage, Rural Belize District Due to Theft

Theft of Underground Cables Causes Extensive Damage to BEL’s Distribution System in Gales Point

Unearthed underground lines

    Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reports a 15-hour power outage in the rural Belize District following another incident of theft.  At about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 12, thieves apparently attempting to steal copper wires, pulled out and extensively damaged underground aluminum cables on the Coastal Road near Gales Point Manatee Village. 

    BEL dispatched work crews to the area who worked throughout Wednesday, October 13, to construct temporary overhead lines.  Power supply was restored to Gales Point Manatee Village at 2:48 p.m. yesterday.

    Works to replace the damaged infrastructure and reconstruct the underground system will continue through to the end of the week.  These works are not expected to require any planned power outage for customers in the area.

    BEL is asking anyone with information on this incident to contact the Police Department or call BEL at 0-800-235-2273 or 0-800-BEL-CARE or call Crime Stoppers at 0-800-922-8477.

Underground lines were ripped from their connection to equipment on poles

Unearthed underground lines