Celesc will allocate R$ 15 million for energy‑efficiency projects in Santa Catarina. The preparatory workshop on November 12 will guide industries, businesses, and condominiums in sustainably reducing their operating costs.
To encourage smart resource use and boost sustainability in Santa Catarina’s productive sector, Centrais Elétricas de Santa Catarina S.A. (Celesc) announced the release of R$ 15 million for energy‑efficiency initiatives. The funds will be distributed through a public call scheduled to open in the coming weeks, creating a decisive opportunity for companies looking to modernize their facilities and cut operating costs.
As a preparatory step for the call, the distributor will host the Public Call Workshop for the 2026 Energy‑Efficiency Program (PEE) on November 12, 2026. The event will be held in a hybrid format, with a live online broadcast and in‑person activities at the company’s headquarters in Florianópolis, at the Milan Milash Auditorium (Avenida Itamarati, 160, Itacorubi neighborhood), from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration is completely free.
The initiative aims to empower industries, commercial establishments, condominiums, and public agencies to submit proposals aligned with the guidelines of the National Electricity Agency (ANEEL). The central focus is on conscious resource use and encouraging the adoption of technologies related to clean energy and waste reduction.
Strategic investments and focus on the industrial sector
The resources made available by Celesc’s program will be strategically divided among different economic segments. R$ 7.5 million will be earmarked exclusively for industrial projects, while the remaining R$ 7.5 million will serve the Commerce and Services, Public Power, Rural, Public Services, and Public Lighting categories.
Proposals submitted by consumers in the concession area may include anything from replacing obsolete equipment and automating processes to adding solar‑powered electricity generation. The goal is to optimize consumption without compromising productivity, aligning the energy transition with the organizations’ energy bills.
Specialized Partnerships for Project Viability
To help develop these technological solutions without overburdening company cash flows, specialized consulting firms act as facilitators in drafting proposals. Eletron Energia, a company with extensive experience in the sector and a leader in proposal approvals through the PEE of ANEEL, with more than 120 projects completed in Paraná and Santa Catarina, will be present at the workshop.
Victor Moraes, engineer at Eletron Energia, explains that hiring a consultant to develop projects can be done without an immediate upfront investment, as compensation comes from the distributor’s own resources after the proposal is approved.
Victor Moraes stated:
“Utility companies must allocate 0.5% of their net operating revenue annually to a fund, which is used to implement energy‑efficiency projects in consumer facilities, including industries, retail, condominiums, public services, and more.”
Victor Moraes also emphasizes that the industrial sector has one of the largest savings potentials, especially when considering that the average age of Brazilian industrial facilities is 17 years, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Maintenance (ABRAMAN).
Victor Moraes highlighted:
“We conduct studies and apply energy‑efficiency solutions in industries and businesses so they can save energy. We can make our industry more competitive because, typically, they can replace older, inefficient equipment with newer, more efficient models without draining cash flow.”
Infrastructure Modernization and Return on Investment
While the targeted replacement of inefficient motors is a common measure, broader interventions in the infrastructure system often yield significant results. Automating equipment, coupled with improvements in HVAC and thermal processes, allows for maximized energy savings and accelerated return on investment.
Victor Moraes concluded:
“While simply swapping an old, inefficient motor for a modern one may be economically attractive and appear to be the primary focus of an energy‑efficiency project, other actions can be taken. With certain applications, much larger savings can be achieved in projects specifically designed for the processes and systems of that enterprise, thereby shortening the investment payback period. That is the expertise of Eletron Energia.”
Companies and industries that bill more than US$ 300,000 per month can seek specialized technical support to develop competitive proposals for the public call from Celesc. More information about energy diagnostics can be found on the website of Eletron Energia.
Impacts on the transition to clean energy and competitiveness
The US$ 15 million investment announced by Celesc reinforces the essential role of energy efficiency in regional economic development. By reducing waste and promoting sustainable resource use, the initiative eases demand on the electric grid and strengthens the state’s productive infrastructure.
Expectations for the coming years include significant progress in modernizing industrial and commercial facilities in Santa Catarina. Beyond direct financial savings for participants, the action consolidates the transition to more sustainable energy mixes, aligning ANEEL’s regulatory requirements with global decarbonization and socio‑environmental responsibility goals.