Aneel has proposed making the hourly tariff mandatory for 5.7 million low‑voltage consumers, including new electric vehicle charging stations and distributed generation systems.
The Brazilian electric sector is preparing for a significant structural overhaul in how energy is billed to low‑voltage consumers. The National Electricity Agency (Aneel) presented a new tariff modernization plan built after the contributions from Public Consultation 46/2025.
The measure calls for a gradual adoption of the Tarifa Hora Certa to replace the current White Tariff model. The project directly affects new connections of micro and mini distributed generation (MMGD) and electric vehicle charging stations.
The proposal aims to align the costs of grid service with daily consumption patterns. Aneel estimates that the change will be mandatory for about 5.7 million consumer units by 2031.
Gradual transition and mandatory framework
New MMGD installations and commercial charging stations connected to low voltage must adopt the hourly tariff 90 days after regulatory approval. The deadline meets the requirements of Law 14.300, which sets the legal framework for the sector.
For consumers with existing systems or high usage, adoption will be phased in three stages. The first stage begins in April 2028 for those consuming over 1,800 kWh per month, covering roughly 1 million customers.
The second phase will occur in April 2029, covering connections above 1,000 kWh per month. Finally, in April 2031, the rule will apply to the upper tier of 500 kWh per month. Units with consumption below that threshold will not be required to migrate.
Market impact and transition option
Although it represents a small number of connections, these consumers account for 37% of all low‑voltage energy consumption. In the residential class (B1), only 4% of customers meet the criteria, but they represent 21% of the category’s consumption.
In the commercial and small‑industry sector (B3), the framework will cover 29% of installations, which account for 85% of the market. In the rural class (B2), the rule will encompass 15% of consumer units and 57% of the energy volume used.
“The goal is to signal the system’s service costs throughout the day and encourage shifting consumption to lower-cost periods.”
The proposal allows consumers to request a temporary flat-rate option lasting two years. However, simulations by the regulatory agency indicate that this transition option could be 3% to 5% more expensive than the conventional tariff.
Consumer protection and adaptation period
To avoid abrupt financial impacts, distributors must send at least three informational bills with simulations of the Tarifa Hora Certa before starting actual billing. Effective billing under the new rules for the first group will begin only in April 2028.
Beneficiaries of the Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica and the Luz do Povo program are fully exempt from the requirement. Additionally, the costs of replacing energy meters will be incorporated into the carriers’ tariff revisions, with no individual charges.
The Aneel plans a nationwide educational campaign before the new rules take effect. The goal is to guide the public on how peak, intermediate, and off-peak periods work.
Next steps and value review
A second round of debates will open in 2027 to define the times and rates for each tariff tier. The agency is studying the inclusion of a solar tariff tier to lower energy costs during periods of high photovoltaic production.
The technical process moves to the rapporteur’s review, Director Ludimila Lima, before being voted on by the board. The Aneel expects to deliberate the matter in December.
Approval will establish a new consumption and billing dynamic in the country. Carriers will need to adjust their operational and technological infrastructures to begin informational testing in January 2028.