Bento Albuquerque (photo), MME Minister attended yesterday, 28, in Rio de Janeiro, the 16th National Meeting of Electrical Sector Agents - ENASE, considered the main political-regulatory event of the Brazilian electricity sector. This year, ENASE brings the modernization of the electricity sector, the development of the new natural gas market and the important synergy between these two sectors as the main agenda for the debates. New this year is a side event, ENASE Gas, which will discuss the energy transformation from the New Gas Market in Brazil.

In his opening speech at the event, Bento Albuquerque highlighted the importance of valuing Eletrobras for the continuity of studies related to its capitalization, noting that articulations are already underway with the National Congress and that “very soon it will be possible to present to the market a robust capitalization model of the company ”.

Referring to the issue of modernization of the electricity sector, the minister said he was aware that “the current framework needs adjustments so that costs and risks are perceived more clearly by society, thus providing greater predictability and rationality for the whole segment. ” Speaking to representatives of the most diverse segments of the Brazilian electric sector attending the event, including public agencies, companies, associations and other entities, Bento Albuquerque recalled the efforts that have been made to face the challenges, always pursuing the objectives of attracting investments and provide better service to society.

He cited some proposals that have been elaborated and analyzed and that include the market environment and the system expansion viability, the mechanisms of price formation, rationalization of charges and subsidies, energy reallocation devices, cost allocation and risks. and the insertion of new technologies, in addition to the sustainability of distribution services.

Bento Albuquerque pointed out advances already made by the MME, such as actions aimed at expanding the possibilities for consumers to freely contract electricity. The minister explained about the opening of public consultation on the continuity of the free consumer demand limit reduction trajectory, thus increasing the number of consumers who may choose to buy energy from any source. "This claim of the electricity sector has existed for almost two decades, and will reveal to the consumer the real values being paid for energy, enabling more efficient and less expensive choices that will ultimately reduce the cost of energy," said the minister.

In his speech, Bento Albuquerque also spoke about the approval of improvements for the adoption of the semi- hourly dispatch, from January next year, and the hourly price, from 2021, according to him, “old demand from the sector that will provide several benefits to the system. ”

With regard to the expansion of supply to continue meeting demand, the minister stressed that "it is necessary to seek solutions for this to occur in a sustainable manner." “The financing of generation projects is an essential condition for us to keep moving forward,” said Bento Albuquerque, announcing that by the end of this week, two public consultations will be opened, one to discuss the criteria for guaranteeing the supply of electricity and another , to receive contributions to improve the ballast and energy separation proposal.

The minister concluded by noting that, despite all the challenges, there are numerous investor statements stating that Brazil “is, at present and in the future, a country of opportunity, where a reliable business environment for investment is developed. especially in the energy and infrastructure sectors. ” "In this direction, we are working and delivering the results that society so longs for and deserves," concluded Bento Albuquerque.