After approval of a new loan greater than R$10 billion by Aneel for the electricity sector, it is estimated that the electricity bill will reach Brazilians' homes with a higher value next year  

After National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) approves a bank loan for the electricity sector, this Tuesday (15), it is confirmed that the electricity bill will increase next year. The loan will be used to cover the costs of the energy crisis that happened last year, the amount will be paid in two installments. The amount will be raised alongside private and public banks.

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Aneel loan for the electricity sector, understand where the money will go

Part of the loan will be up to 5,3 billion in cash and was regulated this Tuesday. This first part will be destined to cover the negative balance of the tariff flags that were not able to raise enough (R$ 540 million), the postponement of collections by the distributors (R$ 2,33 billion), the amount of bonuses paid to consumers who saved on electricity bill at the end of last year (R$ 1,68 billion) and energy imports, which took place between July and August last year (R$ 790 million).

The second part, which will be worth R$ 5,2 billion, will be used to cover the cost of emergency energy contracting that took place in the simplified auction last year and with a request for supply from May 1st. However, the second part of the Aneel loan will still be evaluated and will undergo a public consultation that has yet to be scheduled.

The final date for financing and the interest rate will be defined alongside the banks that will lend the money. Aneel's projection is that the loan for the electricity sector will come out by the first half of April.

Value will be directed to distributors  

The value will be returned to the energy distributor, considering that they work as the cashier of the electric sector, that is, they collect the values ​​from consumers through the electricity bill and pay the energy transmitters and generators.

A decree and a provisional measure issued by the Federal Government gave legal support to the new loan to the electricity sector. Only the regulation was Aneel's responsibility.

The loan will reduce the payment of additional costs generated by last year's water crisis, that is, it will prevent the amount from being concentrated in this year's electricity bills in the annual tariff readjustments of the distributors. Although this amount can be paid in installments starting next year, the loan involves charging interest, which means that, at the end of the term, consumers will have to pay the highest amount through their electricity bill.

The measure also aims to guarantee the economic and financial balance of energy distributors, who claim to “carry the costs” of the additional measures adopted during the water scarcity situation.

“Costs to face the water crisis increased significantly in the second half [of 2021], opening a gap between the expenses that distributors had to face this crisis and tariff coverage, even with the tariff flag”, said Ricardo Brandão, regulatory director of the Brazilian Association of Electric Energy Distributors (Abradee).

How to save on the electricity bill?  

Although electricity bills may reach a higher value next year, energy savings are always welcome, even though it seems impossible. Therefore, we separate with some tips that can help you in this mission.

• Use LED or fluorescent lamps, which use much less energy;
• Turn off the lamps whenever you leave a room;
• Turn off other electronics too when not in use;
• Avoid the stand-by mode of appliances;
• Expect to accumulate clothes to use the iron or washing machine.