Delegation of powers and functions by Minister

(1) The Commission may, by Order made by statutory instrument, delegate all or any of his powers and functions under this Act to the Commission, subject to such restrictions and limitations as may be specified in the Order– (a) to secure that there are provided throughout Belize, save in so far as the provision thereof is impracticable, such electrical services as satisfy all reasonable demands for them including, in particular, emergency services, and services in rural areas; and (b) without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) above, to secure that any person by whom any such service is to be provided is able to finance the provision of those services. (2) Subject to sub-section (1), the Commission shall exercise the functions assigned or transferred to it under this Act in a manner which it considers is best calculated to1– (a) secure that all reasonable demands for electricity are satisfied; (b) secure that licence holders are able to finance the carrying on of the activities which they are authorized by their licences to carry on; 1The delegation of powers by the Ministry to the Commission took effect from 24th August, 1999 by virtue of Act No. 40 of 1999. Before that day, the delegation was made to the Director General of Electricity Supply, whose office was abolished by the said Act 40 of 1999. 9 (c) promote competition in the generation and supply of electricity; (d) protect the interests of consumers of electricity supplied by persons authorized by licences to supply electricity in respect of– (i) the prices charged and the other terms of (ii) the continuity of supply; and (iii) the quality of the electricity supply services provided; (e) promote efficiency and economy on the part of persons authorized by licences to supply or transmit electricity and the efficient use of electricity supplied to consumers; (f) promote research into and the development and use of new techniques by or on behalf of persons authorized by a licence to generate, transmit or supply electricity; (g) protect the public from dangers arising from the generation, transmission or supply of electricity; and (h) secure the establishment and maintenance of machinery for promoting the health and safety of persons employed in the generation, transmission or supply of electricity; and the Commission has a duty to take into account, in exercising those functions, the effect on the physical environment of activities connected with the generation, transmission or supply of electricity. 10 (3) In performing its duty under sub-section (2)(d)(i), the Commission shall take into account, in particular, the protection of the interests of consumers of electricity in rural areas. (4) In performing its duty under sub-section (2)(d)(iii), the Commission shall take into account, in particular, the interests of those who are disabled or of pensionable age. (5) In this Part, “licence” means a licence under section 14 and “licence holder” shall be construed accordingly.