Incentives for Off-Peak Energy Consumption May Start in July
Measure to avoid rationing should cover all types of consumers, from businesses to families
The off-peak energy consumption program could start in July and include residential customers as well as industry. This Monday (14), the Ministry of Mines and Energy met with large consumers to discuss the bases of the plan.
The idea is to offer some incentive on the electricity bill, such as discounted rates or future credits. "The model is still under discussion and will require technical and legal arrangements to be implemented," the Minister of Mines and Energy, Bento Albuquerque, told Folha.
The proposal is part of a package of measures to face the worst drought in history on hydroelectric reservoirs in the Southeast region, which has already included the additional contracting of thermal plants and revisions to the restrictions on the flow of hydroelectric plants.
At the meeting on Monday, associations representing large electricity consumers presented to the government proposals to encourage the reduction of consumption or shift to times of lower demand.
One of the suggestions is that the companies themselves present to the government a preliminary schedule with the amount of energy to be saved during a certain period. In this way, they can better plan their production to avoid falling activity.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon