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Aneel Creates System That Ensures Direct Compensation for Consumers Affected by Prolonged Blackouts Nationwide
The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) approved, on October 21, 2025, an unprecedented resolution that determines automatic compensation for consumers who experience power outages for more than 24 hours in urban areas or 48 hours in rural areas.
Moreover, the decision comes as a response to increasingly frequent blackouts, especially during extreme weather events that have impacted the country in recent years.
Thus, the new system aims to ensure greater fairness and transparency in customer service.
Who Is Entitled to Compensation
The automatic compensation will apply to residences, businesses, and industries that face interruptions above the limits set by Aneel.
Additionally, consumers who purchase energy directly from distributors, provided they are in good standing and have active metering, will also be entitled to the credit.
Therefore, the amount will automatically appear on the next energy bill, without the need for a request or protocol.
Thus, the process becomes swift, transparent, and accessible for all affected consumers, strengthening confidence in the national electricity system.
Situations That Ensure the Right to Compensation
The resolution covers occurrences caused by severe weather phenomena, such as strong winds, storms, fallen trees and poles, flooding, wildfires, and landslides.
Additionally, it includes substation failures resulting from extreme natural events. Previously, these situations were excluded from compensation, as they were treated as unforeseeable.
However, Aneel now requires that distributors act preventively, ensuring quick and efficient responses even in adverse conditions.
With this, the agency reaffirms its commitment to the safety and reliability of electric supply throughout the country.
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How Compensation Will Be Calculated
The compensation amount will depend on the total duration of the outage and will follow the formulas set by Aneel.
Additionally, the calculation will consider the consumption class — residential, commercial, or industrial — and the current tariff.
Therefore, the longer the outage, the higher the compensation amount. The entire process will occur automatically, ensuring speed and transparency for consumers.
If the customer notices an error or discrepancy in the credit, they may contact the distributor’s Ombudsman or directly Aneel for a review.
Thus, the agency ensures that no disadvantaged consumer is left without adequate financial return.
When the New Rule Comes into Effect
Aneel announced that it will officially publish the regulation in the coming weeks.
Subsequently, distributors will have 180 days to adapt their systems and contingency plans. After that, the right to compensation will come into effect within 60 days, according to the agency’s schedule.
Therefore, millions of consumers will be able to receive compensation already on their next bills, making the process more predictable and efficient.
Moreover, the measure pressures distributors to invest in infrastructure and prevention, ensuring greater electrical stability.
What Changes with the New Resolution
Aneel’s decision reinforces the responsibility of energy distributors and expands the protection of Brazilian consumers.
Thus, the compensation system becomes fairer, more direct, and standardized throughout the country.
Additionally, the agency will maintain constant monitoring to ensure strict compliance with the regulations.
Companies that fail to comply with the regulations will face severe fines and administrative penalties. Consequently, the new measure represents a significant advancement in the defense of consumer rights, promoting transparency, efficiency, and speed in the handling of prolonged outages.
In light of increasingly intense climate changes, distributors need to adapt quickly to ensure stability and quality in supply.
Thus, it remains to be seen whether they will all be able to meet deadlines and avoid new blackouts in the coming months.
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