La Gracia Village gets Smart Solar Grid Energy Project

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By BBN Staff: The Minister with responsibility for the Public Service, Energy and Public Utilities Frank Mena and the Chairman of La Gracia village Dario Menendez will inaugurate a Smart Solar off-grid rural electrification project the village in the Cayo District next Wednesday, May 24.

In its efforts to provide access to electricity for all Belizeans, the Ministry identified rural electrification, using solar powered off-grid systems (mini/micro-grids), as a key component in the strategic plan.

This state-of-the-art system will provide electricity to more than 45 households and is designed with the capacity to increase supply to meet future demand. This first of its kind system in Belize will be monitored and operated remotely for efficiency and effectiveness.

The principal project objective is to help communities reach their full potential by providing opportunities for economic development. At the same time, a six to twelve-month study phase will allow the Ministry the opportunity to monitor the system administratively, socially, and technically.

The La Gracia project – implemented at a cost of approximately BZ$700,000 with support from many donor organizations including the governments of Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the Public Utilities Commission, and GOB – will provide information on best practices for system design, implementation, and administration for extension to the rest of the country.