Large commercial networks have high energy consumption

Large retail chains had a 19.2% increase in electricity consumption in July this year compared to the same month in 2021. The growth was driven by hyper and supermarket chains, which had a 13.4% increase in consumption. %, according to CCEE (Electric Energy Commercialization Chamber).

For Talita Porto, vice president of the entity, the growth reflects a recovery in commercial activity after a fall in the second quarter of the year.

She attributes the increase in energy consumption in July to a greater movement in trade that, despite inflation, was boosted by aid to the most vulnerable families.

The data consider only consumers of the so-called Free Energy Market, which includes companies with monthly demand greater than or equal to 500 kW — the equivalent of a bill of about R$ 150 thousand. For these companies, obtaining energy occurs without the intermediary of distributors.

The CCEE also released this Friday (19) the country’s general energy expenditure in July. The free market and regulated energy (which passes through distributors) together recorded a rise of 2.6% compared to July 2021.

Data from the CNC (National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism) show that, in the month of July, the consumption intention of Brazilian families also increased. It was 1.2% higher than in June and 18% in the annual comparison.

The increase in energy consumption follows the trend of the first half of the year. Despite economic activity having lost the pace of growth between May and June, commerce had an energy consumption 14.2% higher in the first half of 2022 than in the same period of the previous year.

The IBGE Monthly Trade Survey shows that, in the same period, the increase in retailers’ revenue was 16.9%.

According to Carla Beni Menezes de Aguiar, an economics professor at the MBAs at FGV (Fundação Getulio Vargas), the improvement in trade in the first half was already expected due to the end of restrictive measures against Covid-19. She points out, however, that in the third quarter this growth was slowed down by interest rates, inflation and the high level of indebtedness of the population.

The economist agrees that energy spending increases in July may reflect an improvement driven by aid, but does not believe that an improving trend has necessarily emerged.

The state that had the biggest increase in energy consumption in July was Mato Grosso do Sul, with a growth of 103.1%. For Porto, this increase was due to the greater use of air conditioning.

The only one that did not register an increase was Rio Grande do Norte, with a drop of 6.4%. According to the CCEE, the State has a small energy expenditure base and, therefore, punctual variations in consumers can explain this sharp drop.

Expectations for the second half

According to Porto, the forecast is that in the coming months growth will continue due to better expectations for the national GDP.

For Aguiar, the trend for the coming months is still uncertain. Aid can promote an increase in the consumption of goods, but the high level of indebtedness of the population can prevent further growth. A survey released on the 9th shows that 78% of Brazilian families are in debt and 10.7% say they cannot pay off their debts.

Despite the dismal second quarter, retail and industry also expect a more favorable second half. For businessmen, the launch of 5G should boost cell phone sales and, in the last quarter, World Cup, Black Friday and Christmas should move the economy.

Last Thursday (18), the chairman of the board of directors of BTG Pactual, André Esteves, said he expected a good performance from the Brazilian market, regardless of who wins the elections.