Functions and duties of P.U.C

(1) The P.U.C. shall exercise any of its functions assigned or transferred to it under this Act or in a manner which it considers is best calculated to– (a) secure that all reasonable demands for water and sewerage are satisfied; (b) secure that licensees are able to finance the carrying on of the activities which they are authorised by their licences to carry on; (c) promote competition in the supply of water and sewerage services; (d) protect the interests of consumers of water and sewerage services supplied by persons authorized by licences to supply such services in respect of– (i) the prices charged and the other terms (ii) the continuity of supply; and (iii) the quality of the services provided by (e) promote efficiency and economy on the part of persons authorized by licences to supply water and sewerage services and the efficient use of water supplied to consumers; 22 (f) promote research into and the development and use of, new techniques by or on behalf of persons authorized by a licence to supply water and provide sewerage services; (g) protect the public from dangers arising from the supply of water and sewerage services; (h) secure the establishment and maintenance of machinery for promoting the health and safety of persons employed in the supply of water and sewerage services; (i) conserve water and avoid undue consumption; or (j) prevent misuse or contamination of water supplied by a licensee, and the P.U.C. has a duty to take into account, in exercising those functions, the effect on the physical environment of activities connected with the supply of such services by (2) In performing its duty under sub-section (1) (d) (i), the P.U.C. shall take into account, in particular, the protection of the interests of consumers of water in rural areas. (3) In performing its duty under sub-section (1) (d) (iii), the P.U.C. shall take into account, in particular, the interests of those who are disabled or are of pensionable age. (4) In this Part, “license” means a licence granted under (5) It shall also be the duty of the P.U.C. so far as it appears to it practicable from time to time to do so, to collect information with respect to commercial activities connected with water and sewerage services carried on in Belize and the persons by whom they are carried on with a view to its becoming aware of, and ascertaining the circumstances relating to the matters with respect to which its functions are exercisable. (6) This section applies to any activities connected with the provision and supply of water and sewerage services.