Aneel has authorized a R$ 308 million injection to ensure energy security in the Amazon, allowing for the advance storage of fuel to tackle the severe drought forecasted for 2026.
To prevent power supply shortages in the isolated systems of the Amazon during this year’s drought, the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (Aneel) authorized a financial operation of R$ 308.4 million on Tuesday (Sept 8). The funds will be allocated to building strategic fuel reserves for thermal power plants in the region.
The measure, approved unanimously by the agency’s board, benefits three companies that handle local supply: Aggreko, Powertech, and Oliveira Energia. The initiative is a direct response to a critical climate forecast, supported by data from international agencies indicating a high probability of a severe El Niño in the coming months, which could compromise river transport logistics.
Logistics and operational guarantees
Unlike conventional transfers, this advance payment comes with strict rules. The funds will not be deposited directly into the generators’ accounts but will instead be paid to fuel suppliers upon the presentation of invoices. The Electric Energy Commercialization Chamber (CCEE) has until September 21 to operationalize the payments, which are contingent on the submission of documentation by September 18.
Regarding the nature of the decision, the process rapporteur, Willamy Moreira Frota, emphasized the character of the operation:
This is a purely financial maneuver, acting as a cash flow adjustment rather than a new charge for consumers, as the fuel costs would be reimbursed by the Fuel Consumption Account (CCC) regardless.
Limitations and future prospects
Although the request was approved, Aneel opted for a partial provision. The additional costs requested by the companies, such as logistics expenses, barge rentals, and additional labor, were not included in the immediate reimbursement package. The regulator maintains that these extra costs require prior approval from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE), remaining subject to future analysis.
The repayment of the R$ 308 million by the companies will occur in five monthly installments, adjusted by the IPCA (consumer price index), starting in October 2026, through deductions from ordinary reimbursements of the Total Generation Cost (CTG). With this financial support, the electricity sector aims to mitigate the risk of blackouts and ensure the continuity of essential services, even in the face of the likely logistics isolation caused by the prolonged drought in the North region.
