More than R$ 5.4 billion will be directed to reduce electricity bills in the North and Northeast, benefiting millions of consumers.
The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) has taken a significant step toward tariff affordability in the country. On Tuesday, August 11, the agency’s board ratified the preliminary distribution of R$ 5.48 billion resulting from the renegotiation of the Use of Public Property (UBP). This amount aims to alleviate electricity tariffs for consumers in the regulated environment within the areas served by Sudam and Sudene, focusing on the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.
The decision represents potential relief for the pockets of millions of Brazilians, with the Preliminary Balanced Limit Tariff Effect (ETLEP) calculated at 6.53%. The resources will be injected directly into the electric sector, with the goal of making access to clean and sustainable energy fairer and more accessible, a topic of growing relevance in the national energy landscape.
The UBP Renegotiation Mechanism
The UBP renegotiation was enabled by Law No. 15.235/2025, a measure that allowed various hydroelectric plants to convert future UBP installment payments into a sectoral charge. This charge is directed specifically to the Energy Development Account (CDE), a fund essential for subsidizing public policies and programs in the energy sector.
Initially, Aneel estimated a UBP balance eligible for renegotiation at R$ 7.88 billion. However, participation was consolidated across 24 concession contracts, totaling an updated outstanding balance of R$ 5.53 billion. After monetary adjustments and payments, the final amount available for tariff affordability was set at R$ 5.48 billion. The Electric Energy Commercialization Chamber (CCEE) was tasked with carrying out transfers to distributors within ten days of the act’s publication.
Prospects and Future Adjustments
The ETLEP of 6.53% is, for now, a preliminary figure. Aneel indicated that the final calculation, known as the Final Balanced Limit Tariff Effect (ETLEF), will be released after the conclusion of the final 2026 tariff processes. Any discrepancies between the preliminary and final values will be corrected later, with the application of the Selic rate to neutralize differences.
Director Agnes Maria de Aragão da Costa, rapporteur of the process, highlighted the importance of balancing the benefit among concessionaires, considering average tariff effects and the weighted regulated market.
Also on the horizon, Aneel will analyze a request from the Brazilian Association of Electric Energy Generating Companies (Abrage). The association is questioning the start date for the incidence of the Selic rate on the monetary update of the renegotiated values. If Abrage‘s argument is accepted, the necessary adjustments will be incorporated into the ETLEF calculation.
Beneficiary Distributors and Specific Reductions
The distribution of resources already highlights key beneficiaries. Among the companies receiving the largest preliminary transfers are Neoenergia Coelba, with R$ 697.1 million; Amazonas Energia, with R$ 573.3 million; Equatorial Pará, with R$ 464.2 million; Energisa Rondônia, with R$ 424.8 million; and Enel Ceará, with R$ 403.8 million. The Aneel table provides for R$ 4.62 billion in initial transfers, with part of the resources still awaiting the completion of tariff processes. Companies such as Equatorial Maranhão, Equatorial Piauí, Energisa Paraíba, and Santa Maria will have their UBP values recalculated in their respective processes.
In addition to the general distribution, Aneel also approved specific tariff reductions for Cemig-D and EDP Espírito Santo. These discounts will be valid for 12 months for energy consumers served in municipalities located in the Sudene area. For Cemig-D, the reductions range from R$ 0.77/MWh for high voltage to R$ 1.54/MWh for low voltage. For EDP Espírito Santo, the values range from R$ 3.90/MWh for high voltage to R$ 7.81/MWh for low voltage, with application expected 15 days after the decision’s publication.
Future Impact on Electricity Bills
The allocation of R$ 5.48 billion for energy tariffs in the North and Northeast signals the government’s and Aneel‘s commitment to the economic sustainability of consumers. It is expected that this injection of resources will contribute to stabilization and, potentially, a reduction in electricity bills—a fundamental step for regional development and ensuring access to an essential service. We will follow the next steps and final adjustments that will consolidate this important benefit for the Brazilian electric sector.
