Probe International - Electricity rates highest in Central America

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Fortis/BEL (Belize Electricity Ltd) submitted an application change their current tariff (rate) structure last week. They said part their obligation under law.

What did not say are doing part their guarantee, under contract with Government, rate increase least one one half percent every year; contract 'Third Master Agreement,' signed witnessed Prime Minister Said Musa Minister Ralph Fonseca on Nov. 21, 2001, relation building Chalillo Dam. Remember contract? We could not get copy until went court. supposed cost US$30 million build Chalillo but final price allegedly more than US$100 million. (see Meerman http://biological-diversity.info/chalillo.htm)

Fortis-BECOL now building third dam, Vaca Dam, which said (in their 2006 report) would cost US$50 million (that 100 million Belize dollars!). What kind 'agreement' has government signed concerning construction dam?

Does guarantee liability any loss property loss life due problems caused dams, guaranteed Third Master Agreement? Does guarantee more rate increases Fortis/BEL guaranteed Third Master Agreement? We don't know.

All know pay Fortis/BEL highest rates electricity Central America. Each year, Fortis/BEL reports higher higher profits rates go up river gets worse.

George Candy Gonzalez are husband wife team environmentalists based Belize.