Belmopan, September 4, 2026.
The Cabinet met on 2nd September 2026.
- Cabinet approved an increase in the GST exemption. Effective September 1, 2026, the electricity bill threshold for residential customers will be increased from $100 to $200 per month. This measure is expected to provide direct relief to more than 91,000 customers, representing 96% of all residential customers. The $100 threshold had been in place since April 1, 2017, when it was lowered by the then United Democratic Party administration.
- Cabinet approved important measures to strengthen Belize’s electricity security while providing meaningful relief to residential consumers. An Emergency Declaration was approved to enable Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to commence the procurement of additional generation capacity to address the projected supply shortfall in 2027. This is a proactive step to ensure that the country has sufficient electricity to meet growing demand and maintain a reliable supply.
- Additionally, Cabinet supports expanding eligibility for the Social Rate from 60 kWh to 80 kWh per month, extending the preferential tariff to approximately 17,000 residential customers. Together, these measures demonstrate Government’s balanced approach: providing immediate relief to households today while investing in the additional electricity supply needed to secure Belize’s energy future.
- Cabinet approved the introduction of regulations to establish a digital Electrical Workers Register and a searchable public verification facility, while providing clear application procedures to ensure continued competence in this field. This will introduce a class-based licensing system, supervised apprenticeships, public electronic verification, clearer administrative and disciplinary procedures, continuing competence requirements, and transitional continuity.
- Cabinet gave its approval of the request for the extension of a $2-per-gallon fuel subsidy for the Belize Bus Association for the remainder of the financial year, provided that the price per gallon remains above $12. These conditions will be reviewed every two months.
- Cabinet gave its approval for Belize, through the Ministry of E-Governance, to join and participate in the Latin American and Caribbean Cyber Competence Center, a non-profit organization that serves as a regional hub for cybersecurity and cybercrime capacity building in the region.
- Cabinet gave its approval to amend the Moneylenders Act and the Moneylenders Regulations to further strengthen the moneylending sector, improve transparency and accountability, and strengthen barriers for new and existing moneylenders.
- Finally, Cabinet advises all Belizeans to safely enjoy the Carnival in Belize City, as well as the rest of the September Celebrations.
ENDS
