Federal Inaction with Energy Crisis Could Lead to Expensive Electricity Bills

Ignoring the need to reduce consumption increases risks, experts warn

Rio de Janeiro

The Bolsonaro government's delayed response in recognizing the magnitude of the energy crisis and the lack of incentives to reduce consumption could increase the risk of blackouts and make the country's electricity bill more expensive, experts warn.

Federal actions, so far, have focused on trying to guarantee supply, such as expanding suppliers.

For members of the sector, the emergency contracting of thermoelectric plants can reduce the pressure for the time being, but it won't restore the reservoirs in 2022 if the drought repeats. The cost of the measure, moreover, will be passed on to the consumer.

The National Electric System Operator sees the risk of exhaustion still in 2021. "The worst thing the government is doing is not preparing Brazilians for the difficult situation we are going to face," says physicist José Goldemberg, former secretary of the Environment of São Paulo.

In a statement, the Ministry of Mines and Energy states that it is campaigning for the conscientious use of water and that there is no indication of load cuts.

Translated by Kiratiana Freelon

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