Earlier on in the news, you heard from attorney Andrew Marshalleck, who will chair the Commission of Inquiry looking into the sale of government assets in the 2 years before the change of Government.
But, Marshalleck is a man with multiple official tasks. He also hold another important seat as the new Chairman of the BEL Board of Directors.
This morning, we asked Marshalleck to discuss what kind of leadership role he will take.
E. Andrew Marshalleck, SC- Chairman, BEL Board
"I wouldn't be able to discuss that with you. I am not seized of that situation. But what I can tell you about your allegation of profits during Covid is that the provision of electricity services is a regulated activity. As you know, the prices are set annually and it is set with a view to allow recovery of the cost of power and a reasonable rate of return by the PUC. So that the rates for that period had been set from the period before and they weren't changed. I believe new rates came into effect at the beginning of the year. Again those rates would have been set by the PUC by virtue of its rate review proceeding. So, those things are regulated and that process must be followed."
Daniel Ortiz- Reporter
"In the last few months we have seen different special interest groups trying to agitate against BEL suggesting that all of a sudden customers experienced some sudden jump in their light bills. At that time the PUP chimed in when it was the opposition. Now that it is in the government position and is responsible for the management of this company, what are your thoughts?"
E. Andrew Marshalleck
"I am not aware of any formal complaint to BEL. I would expect that if there are complaints as to billing or practices of BEL they would be directed to the PUC which is the regulatory agency responsible for supervising activities of utility providers. I am not aware that that is being looked into in any formal way. But as you know I have only been recently appointed toward the end of December and we've only had one introductory meeting so far."
Daniel Ortiz
"What are your thoughts on how this company should be managed for sustainable electricity provision and a reasonable profit so that its operations can continue?"
E. Andrew Marshalleck
"Well the provision of electricity services is vital to economic development. It is crucial that prices are fair. It is also critical that they are fixed in such a way that BEL is allowed and given space to operate and prosper. The two things must coexist, they are essential. The utility service provider must be in a position to provide the services and the Belizean public as a whole must be provided with the services at a reasonable cost."
Daniel Ortiz
"When the pandemic had first hit and Belizeans started to feel the financial pains that came with that, there was this agitation for BEL to hold off on collection for customers because they were going through this financial pain at this time. That is when the then management presented to the general public because: look, that cannot happen because we have our own light bills to pay. I think it was like $15 million a month, if I am not mistaken."
E. Andrew Marshalleck
"BEL sources electricity from CFE, it also buys from BECOL, the power produced from the dams. There are also a number of other providers of electricity, Belcogen to name one. So BEL must pay for the energy and those costs have to be covered."
Daniel Ortiz
"Is it a concern for you the quantum that is paid that is necessary to provide stable electricity for Belizeans?"
E. Andrew Marshalleck
"Yes it is always in the interest of BEL to keep those costs under control but the reality is that to a large extent those prices are not under the control of BEL."
