Project relieves the pockets of Brazilians who have seen the price of energy skyrocket in recent years, with a forecast to rise by more than 21% in 2022!

Bill 414, of 2021, which changes the regulatory framework of the electricity sector and expands the opening of the free energy market, expanding purchasing power for captive consumers, who today can only obtain electricity from already defined distributors and no option to choose, it has already been approved in the Federal Senate and is now being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies!

With the opening of the market and more competition, experts expect a considerable reduction in the cost of electricity for consumers. A relief for Brazilians who have seen the price of energy skyrocket in recent years, expected to rise by more than 21% in 2022, according to data from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL).

Brazil has the second most expensive electricity bill in the world!

Brazil has the second most expensive electricity bill in the world, according to a survey carried out by the Coupon Valido platform, based on data from Abrace (Association of Large Industrial Energy Consumers and Free Consumers). Still according to the study, the cost of electricity in the country has increased by 47% in the last five years and compromises 25% of the Brazilian family budget.

Figures released by Trinity Renewable Energies, one of the largest managers operating in the free energy market, show savings of approximately 20% in the value of the account, in the comparison made between the captive consumer and the free consumer, during the years 2016 to 2021.

For the time being, the free energy market is available to customers with a minimum demand of 500 kW, classified as special consumers, who must necessarily purchase energy from renewable sources, and 1000kW for free consumers, who can purchase energy from conventional sources.

Project proposes to expand access to the free market for ordinary consumers

This is exactly what the project proposes to change: expanding access to the free market for ordinary consumers, called captive consumers. For João Sanches, CEO of Trinity Energias Renováveis, “with the regulated PL, these customers will be able to choose the company that will supply their electricity consumption, with the benefit of the option to buy on demand and savings, depending on factors such as the moment of market price, rainfall performance and other factors”.

With the vote on the PL scheduled for this year, operations will become more competitive, with the opening of the sector and the expansion of companies and customers.

For Sanches, “competition in the free energy market ensures greater flexibility for companies and customers, who can decide which is the best supplier and the type of contract to be established, making room for defining which provider best meets needs, whether in companies solid or contractual satisfaction”, adds the expert.

The bill, whose rapporteur is deputy Fernando Coelho Filho, has already been approved in the Senate and is now awaiting a vote in the Special Committee of the Chamber of Deputies. After approval, a period of 42 months will still be available for its entry into force, which will subsequently benefit a significant part of the population, considering that currently only a small minority benefits from the purchase of energy on the free market.