The government's R$9 billion balance can be used to avoid increasing electricity bills

Influenced by the worst drought in the country's history, the Brazilian government is looking for alternatives to prevent the phenomenon from impacting the increase in electricity bills. Using R$9 billion in “balance” is the solution studied by the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Using the money would make it possible to prevent any possible increase in the tariff from reaching citizens' pockets. Even so, the measure should be adopted if the rainy season is delayed or is not enough to fill the reservoirs. Last week, Aneel (National Electric Energy Agency) changed the electricity tariff it had announced. The value went from “red 2” to “red 1”.

Recent History

Today's scenario is still considered less worse when compared to the 2021 water crisis. If we compare the reservoir levels, there is a 34% increase in capacity between 2021 and 2024. In addition, the balance of the Flag Account – where the R$9 billion are available – is currently profitable, while it was in deficit 3 years ago.

The government has been seeking to adopt measures that can “hold” water in reservoirs, providing extra reserves. The Southeast and Central-West regions have faced the worst drought ever recorded in the last three months. As these regions account for the majority of reservoirs in the country (70%), the concern is also to avoid major obstacles such as water shortages and rationing.

_{2024 drought is the worst on record (Photo: reproduction/linaberlin/Pixabay)}

2024 drought

The reason why the use of the R$9 billion is being evaluated is that this year's drought is the worst since records began in 1950. The phenomenon impacts not only electricity bills, but also water supplies and food availability. It is expected that the rains will return with greater intensity from October onwards.

In 2021, citizens also suffered from increases in electricity (21.21%) and gasoline (47.49%). In 2024, the supply of fruits and vegetables decreased and, consequently, the price increased. The lack of water directly affects farmers without an irrigation system; soybean production and livestock also suffer from this problem.

Featured Photo: electricity bill currently has a “red 1” tariff (Reproduction/fresonneveld/Pixabay)