Belco Holdings Ltd. announced to shareholders last week that its sales of both electricity and gas increased significantly during the first 11 months of 2006, compared to the same period the previous year.

And in the statement to the Bermuda Stock Exchange (BSX), the company also revealed the recruitment of former West End Development Corporation general manager Lloyd Telford, who took over as senior vice-president and general manager of Bermuda Gas on December 18.

Mr. Telford will replace William DeSilva, who will transfer to Belco to become senior vice-president of administration.

The company also announced that it will carry out a telephone survey early this year to canvass the public on their electricity needs as part of their long-term planning for future production.

Belco?s president and chief executive officer Garry Madeiros said in a written statement that total kilowatt-hour sales through November were up 2.08 percent, while electricity demand from large commercial customers has shot up by 4.15 percent ? thanks largely to the completion of several new buildings which have come on line.

Meanwhile, Bermuda Gas, owned by Belco Holdings Ltd., boasted an 11.3 percent increase in gas sales in the first 11 months of 2006, thanks to higher prices, as well as a higher volume sold.

The statement added that Bermuda Gas appliance sales were rebounding from earlier in the year, now that the company showroom in Church Street, Hamilton, is better established. Service and parts sales were down 2.6 percent.

The company?s board announced a dividend of 20.25 cents per share for the fourth quarter, as the BSX market price of a Belco share ended the year at $23.

Mr. Telford has over 25 years experience in both the private and public sectors. Before taking the helm of WEDCO, he served as assistant chief Immigration officer at the Bermuda International Airport, and as vice-president of Telford Industries Ltd. Mr. Telford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering.

As the company announced three months ago, Mr. Madeiros will step down at the end of the year to make way for Vincent Ingham, who will become the Belco Holdings? first black chief executive officer.

Last week?s statement added that the current chief operating officer Mr. Ingham will replace Mr. Madeiros as president and CEO of Belco on July 1 this year, before taking the helm of Belco Holdings on January 1, 2008.

Planning for how Belco should meet electricity demand in the future is high on the company?s agenda for this year.

?A major focus for Belco continues to be consultation with appropriate Government ministries and community groups in relation to specific elements of the Electric System Discussion Document,? the statement said. ?This comprehensive document details and assesses energy production and delivery options to meet Bermuda?s electricity requirement through the next 20 years. Options include additional development at Belco?s central plant site, distributed generation at other locations, renewable energy (large scale and residential), independent power producers, demand-side management and improved standards relating to building codes and appliance efficiency.

?As a part of this consultation process, a series of customer focus groups were conducted in November to obtain greater understanding of customer perceptions, knowledge and interests surrounding energy issues including, renewable energy sources and energy efficiency.

?These focus sessions are serving as a precursor to a more structured telephone survey that will be conducted in early 2007. The results of the market research will be used to help determine potential uptake of a variety of energy related programmes that will contribute to overall efficiency of our future electricity system, as well as greater individual energy efficiency.?