By-laws

(1) The Commission may, with the approval of the Minister, make by-laws relating to– (a) the inspection of electrical installations; (b) the fixing and testing of meters; (c) the prevention of the misuse or waste of energy supplied; (d) the protection of electrical installations; (e) the conditions under which fixtures and fittings may be installed; (f) matters generally connected with the electric light and power service which are not otherwise provided for, the generality of this provision not being limited by the preceding paragraphs; (g) the methodology and process for the determination of tariffs, charges and fees to be charged for the provision of electrical services by licencees for transmission or supply; (h) the quality of service standards, including penalties for violations of such standards, and 11 the methodology and process for establishing and enforcing quality of service standards, and the calculation and assessment of penalties for their violations; (i) the entities that may be afforded open access to the transmission system and the terms of such access; (j) the use by licencees of a uniform system of accounts. (2) Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any by-laws made under this section commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding six months, or to both such fine and term of imprisonment. (3) By-laws made under this section shall have no effect or force until they have been published in the Gazette. (4) By-laws on tariffs, charges, fees and quality of service standards to be made by the Commission under sub-section (1)(g) and (h) shall be made in a manner– (a) calculated to afford a licensee a reasonable opportunity to recover the reasonable costs of providing service and secure a reasonable rate of return on investment when operating in a manner compatible with international standards of an efficiently operated power system of similar characteristics to that of Belize; and (b) that reasonably allocates to particular customer classes the cost of serving such customers, subject to implementation of rates for the needy that assures their access to basic electric services at an affordable price in 12 accordance with overall government’s policy and objectives. (5) Any final decision of the Commission made pursuant to the by-laws on tariffs, charges, fees and quality of service standards shall be published in the Gazette in the form of a statutory instrument and shall, upon such publication or from such dates as may be specified therein, have the force of law. (6) All by-laws made by the Commission under this section shall be laid before the National Assembly as soon as may be after the making thereof and shall subject to negative resolution.