Panel SA: Consumer protection raises concerns about the modernization of the electricity sector

In the discussion of the new regulatory framework for the electricity sector, the consumer protection NGO Idec sought out federal deputies to express concern.

According to Idec, it is necessary to follow up so that the final text does not end up increasing the cost of the service, increasing even more the electricity bill of a part of Brazilians.

The main theme of the bill is the unrestricted opening of the energy market, so that consumers can choose their own electricity supplier, moving from the captive to the free market.

One of the points to be observed is the separation between the distribution and commercialization activities, that is, the distributors stop acting with the purchase of energy and start to focus only on the distribution by cables and poles, while the commercialization activity passes to occur directly between consumers and generators or traders.

According to Idec, this process will only reduce costs if it is able to really stimulate competition.

Idec asks that the text make it clear that low-income people are spared any costs when the proposed change of model begins.

The entity also warns about the application of subsidies to agents or segments of the electricity sector, which may trigger an increase in costs for small consumers.

“In the context of sectoral reform, new subsidies cannot be created. And current charges need to be reduced or eliminated,” Idec said in a statement.

Last week, representatives of the electricity sector met with parliamentarians in Brasília to press for the deliberation of the new regulatory framework for the sector before the October elections.

If approved in the Chamber, the project returns to the Senate, as it has changes in the text sanctioned by the senators last year.

Joana Cunha with Andressa Motter and Ana Paula Branco