Energy Report Editions
Check out the editions of the Energy Report and stay informed about the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of the energy sector.
Not a subscriber yet? Click here to learn how to access the full content of the Energy Report.
2026 Editions
THE 2026 SECTOR AGENDA: EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
MONTH
January
EDITION
229
This month we comment on the topics that we believe will dominate the sector’s agenda in 2026.
2025 Editions
How much is the coordination of the electric power system worth?
MONTH
December
EDITION
228
How to measure the value of the system operator and the results of ONS’s Value Added project.
Provisional Measure No. 1,304 has been enacted into law. So what now?
MONTH
November
EDITION
227
Provisional Measure No. 1,304 has been converted into law. What changes now?
A COALITION FOR TODAY’S URGENCY IN THE POWER SECTOR AT COP30
MONTH
October
EDITION
226
This editorial details the construction and results of the Power Sector Coalition for COP30.
BRAZIL’S ENERGY TRANSITION: ALIGNING CLIMATE, ECONOMY, AND GEOPOLITICS
MONTH
September
EDITION
225
The Editorial argues that unsubsidized electrification aligns competitiveness and climate goals.
THE MATERIAL WORLD — ECONOMICS AND GEOPOLITICS OF MINERALS AND NEW MATERIALS
MONTH
August
EDITION
224
This Editorial inaugurates a new section of ER: The Material World.
THE INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN ENERGY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
MONTH
July
EDITION
223
In this Editorial, we analyze the origin of the “gold rush” for AI DCs in the USA; why China is not interested in the race; possible opportunities for Brazil in DCs; and examples of relevant AI applica-tions for the electrical sector.
TEMPERATURE: CORNERSTONE OF OPERATION AND EXPANSION MODELS
MONTH
June
EDITION
222
This Editorial demonstrates that adequate modeling of the effects of the sudden and significant change in global temperature from 2023 onward is crucial for operational and planning studies. It demonstrates that the use of global circulation model forecasts with neural networks produces scenarios adjusted to the new reality that can be used with current computational tools.
A NEW READING OF THE VECTORS THAT REDESIGN THE ENERGY SECTOR
MONTH
May
EDITION
221
The energy transition has become a jumble of intersecting variables. In the editorial marking the debut of the new section, PSR explores this tangle with critical readings and provocative insights into a sector undergoing significant change.
THE PROPOSAL FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO THE SECTORAL MODEL PRESENTED BY THE MME
MONTH
April
EDITION
220
We analyzed in depth the bill proposed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), which seeks to achieve tariff justice, freedom for consumers, and balance for the sector.
SPOT AND TERM ENERGY: SUPPLY AND DEMAND IN A TRANSFORMING WORLD
MONTH
March
EDITION
219
In this editorial, we present a summary of the 15th edition of the PSR/Canal Energia Workshop, comment on the main topics discussed, and answer questions submitted by the audience.
GRID-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES: PREPARING THE NETWORK FOR THE FUTURE (PRESENT)
MONTH
February
EDITION
218
In this Editorial, we present an overview of advances in Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) and propose guidelines for incorporating them into the planning of the Brazilian transmission system, to make it more reliable, flexible, and economical.
THE SECTORAL AGENDA FOR 2025
MONTH
January
EDITION
217
In this editorial, PSR, as in previous years, lists and comments on the topics that should dominate the sector’s discussion agenda in 2025.
2024 Editions
THE POTENTIAL BATTERY REVOLUTION
MONTH
December
EDITION
216
In this editorial, we analyze the potential battery revolution, from its historical context, attributes and applications in electrical systems, including current regulatory discussions and caveats for use in the Brazilian market.
MEN DISCUSS, NATURE ACTS: METHODOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE EXTREMES
MONTH
November
EDITION
215
In this Editorial, we demonstrate that the severe temperature, flood, drought, and wind events that occurred in 2023 and 2024 represent a “new normal” in climate. We also demonstrate how to efficiently and effectively adapt infrastructure such as electricity grids, sanitation, and dam safety.
CURTAILMENT: WHAT IT IS, WHY IT HAPPENS AND HOW TO SOLVE IT
MONTH
October
EDITION
214
Curtailment, or generation outages, have caused enormous losses to many generators. In this edition, we explain what curtailment is, its causes, why it has grown so much in recent years, and possible solutions.
ARE THE FLOW SCENARIOS USED IN OPERATION AND PLANNING “OPTIMISTIC”?
MONTH
September
EDITION
213
This editorial presents a set of statistical and physical evidence (general atmospheric circulation models) that the parameters of the stochastic flow model used in operational planning have an optimistic bias, which affects the optimal activation of thermal power plants and price formation, among other effects. Additionally, procedures to correct this bias are described.
ENERGY FOR DATA CENTERS – CAN BRAZIL BE A “DATA COUNTRY”?
MONTH
August
EDITION
212
This editorial describes the accelerated energy consumption in data centers worldwide, driven by AI applications, and analyzes opportunities and challenges for the installation of DCs in Brazil.
COP30: A BRAZIL OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE ENERGY TRANSITION
MONTH
July
EDITION
211
In this editorial, we showcase several of the country’s “energy jabuticabas,” which align economic competitiveness with environmental benefits and could be a “calling card” for Brazil’s potential at COP30.
LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR AN UNCERTAIN HYDROGEN MARKET
MONTH
June
EDITION
210
This article discusses the Hydrogen Legal Framework bill and its progress against the global scenario of hydrogen market evolution.
HYDROELECTRIC PLANTS 3.0 – OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
MONTH
May
EDITION
209
In this Editorial, we will analyze various opportunities and needs for transforming our hydroelectric system due to factors such as climate change (extreme droughts and floods), flexibility and storage services, new synergies between hydroelectric plants and solar generation, and others.
TWENTY YEARS OF ENERGY AUCTIONS
MONTH
April
EDITION
208
The law that made energy auctions the engine for expanding supply is twenty years old. It’s a good time to take stock.
ELECTRIFY EVERYTHING – NEW TECHNOLOGIES TO DECARBONIZE THE ECONOMY
MONTH
March
EDITION
207
In this edition, we analyze the advances of new electrification technologies in the economic decarbonization of many sectors, such as industrial heat. These advances have led some experts to propose a general electrification of the economy, known as “electrify everything.”
ENERGY TRANSFORMATION: MITIGATION, ADAPTATION AND PRAGMATIC AMBITION
MONTH
February
EDITION
206
In this Editorial, we demonstrate the need to comprehensively consider both the opportunities posed by climate change, such as the export of green products, and the risks and losses resulting from adverse climate events such as those that occurred in 2023.
THE SECTORAL AGENDA FOR 2024
MONTH
January
EDITION
205
In this editorial, PSR, as in previous years, lists and comments on the topics that should dominate the sector’s discussion agenda in 2024.
More editions
2023 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
204
In this edition, we quantify in detail the additional direct costs to consumers if eight amendments included in Bill 11.247 are enacted into law. This analysis was commissioned by a group of associations representing all segments of the electricity sector.
MONTH
November
EDITION
203
This Editorial identifies possible elements of a technical (technologies, methodologies, and criteria) and regulatory agenda that will allow the distribution sector to improve its ability to cope with extreme weather events, mitigating the severity of supply interruptions.
MONTH
October
EDITION
202
Based on an analysis of the increase in CMOs in September, the Editorial shows that ONS has much more limited hydroelectric resources than previously thought; and that there may be new activations in the coming months, with significant costs for consumers.
MONTH
September
EDITION
201
In this Editorial, we present a series of measures that can strengthen the effectiveness and credibility of so-called “nature-based solutions” in carbon markets, which are of great interest to Brazil and, especially, to the Amazon.
MONTH
August
EDITION
200
In this Editorial, we analyze the operational, planning, and regulatory challenges for the inclusion of renewables, in light of the August 15 blackout.
MONTH
July
EDITION
199
In this edition of ER, we show how corporations can make a significant contribution to tackling climate change and introduce GreenVision, a one-stop shop to support businesses.
MONTH
June
EDITION
198
In this Editorial we present a brief history of the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) from its origins seventy years ago to the present day with ChatGPT/GPT-4, and we describe several applications in the energy sector, both existing and promising.
MONTH
May
EDITION
197
This Editorial discusses the results of a World Bank study on the technical feasibility and “green premium” of different decarbonization policies up to 2050.
MONTH
April
EDITION
196
In this editorial, PSR discusses the necessary changes in the transmission sector for countries to achieve their net zero agenda.
MONTH
March
EDITION
195
The Editorial of this Energy Report contributes to the debate on the calculation of the minimum PLD, recovering the history of its creation and proposing a structural solution from 2024 onwards.
MONTH
February
EDITION
194
This editorial addresses the paths taken by the Brazilian business sector in the national energy transition.
MONTH
January
EDITION
193
In its first editorial of the year, the PSR lists the departments created by the new government regarding environmental issues, with a focus on the electricity sector. It then presents its proposals and suggestions for the sector’s short-, medium-, and long-term agendas.
2022 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
192
In this editorial, PSR presents the myriad possibilities beyond renewable electricity generation related to the use of biomass, which could position Brazil as a Saudi Arabia of “green” fuels such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other high-value-added products.
MONTH
November
EDITION
191
In this editorial, we tell the story of PSR and offer our vision of future challenges and opportunities across various energy industry topics.
MONTH
October
EDITION
190
We bring you a continuation of our May Editorial, analyzing the problems that structurally burden the country’s tariffs through a prospective diagnosis, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative aspects. We also present proposed measures capable of reducing current inefficiencies and preventing new ones in the future, especially in the context of the expansion of the free market.
MONTH
September
EDITION
189
In this editorial, PSR analyzes the structure of the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and discusses some paths for Brazil’s energy transition based on the program’s objectives and incentives.
MONTH
August
EDITION
188
In this editorial, PSR analyzes the current official methodology for calculating Physical Guarantee (GF), the risks related to the change in critical period, and shows that it is possible to calculate the correct GFs that meet all methodological requirements, using the NEWAVE and DECOMP computational models.
MONTH
July
EDITION
187
In this editorial, we discuss what Brazil can learn from the European crisis; what Europe can learn from Brazil’s previous experiences; and we reflect on the conditions that should be sought to implement new sectoral reforms.
MONTH
June
EDITION
186
In this editorial, we demonstrate the benefits of satellites, which, through the use of various sensors, can help understand how water is used in river basins. These analyses are part of an R&D project that sought to assess the impact of consumptive water use on the functioning of the MRE.
MONTH
May
EDITION
185
This editorial addresses recent tariff adjustments, analyzing their cyclical causes and the structural problems that burden the country’s tariffs. It also assesses measures that can prevent this situation from worsening in the future and even reduce current distortions, in the pursuit of a more sustainable electricity sector that is better prepared for the energy transition.
MONTH
April
EDITION
184
The objective of this Editorial is to illustrate the incorporation of resilience into energy planning methodologies through two case studies with computational models developed by PSR: (i) planning of an infrastructure resilient to earthquakes, for the government of Chile; and (ii) expansion plan for resilient generation, with the case of Costa Rica.
MONTH
March
EDITION
183
In this editorial, PSR analyzes Russia’s importance to global energy supplies, the impacts of the war on electricity, oil, and gas markets, and its implications for the global energy transition.
MONTH
February
EDITION
182
The focus of this edition of ER is the relationship between the “crypto world” and energy markets.
MONTH
January
EDITION
181
This editorial addresses the topics that, in PSR’s view, should constitute the core of a sectoral agenda for the Brazilian Electricity Sector for 2022.
2021 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
180
In this editorial, we discuss climate change and the paths forward to circumvent the worst dangers of global warming and make further progress on this climate issue.
MONTH
November
EDITION
179
In this edition, we illustrate the wide range of opportunities for Brazil to develop new business areas aligned with the global environmental agenda that will increase its economic growth.
MONTH
October
EDITION
178
In this editorial, PSR analyzes the supply outlook for 2022 using six future scenarios, resulting from the combination of the following uncertainty factors: (a) creation of flow scenarios by two stochastic inflow models: the official model and a model that represents the “new normal” of more frequent and severe droughts; (b) scenarios of new supply entry in 2022; (c) changes to the Belo Monte hydrograph; (d) actions to relax restrictions “CREG 2022”; and (e) thermal generation outside the demerit order.
MONTH
September
EDITION
177
In this editorial, we update the estimates for the risk and severity of energy rationing, as well as the risk, severity, and frequency of peak-hour supply interruptions. This update follows the same methodology as previous reports and takes into account the following factors: (a) storage conditions in early October; (b) probabilistic scenarios for inflows and renewable production for the months of October and November; and (c) generation supply, demand, and exchange capacity between regions.
MONTH
August
EDITION
176
In this editorial, PSR updates the supply risk analyses carried out in the two previous editions of the Energy Report and compares them with those published in recent ONS Technical Notes in terms of methodology, assumptions and conclusions.
MONTH
July
EDITION
175
In this editorial, PSR updates its energy supply risk analyses for early August conditions and presents additional peak service risk and severity analyses.
MONTH
June
EDITION
174
In this editorial, PSR quantitatively analyzes the potential impact of a range of measures from the Chamber of Exceptional Rules for Hydroenergy Management (CREG) on supply conditions in 2021.
MONTH
May
EDITION
173
In this editorial, PSR presents an analysis of energy supply and peak demand for 2021 using detailed and accurate simulations of system operation for severe but plausible scenarios, seeking to separate the “noise” of speculation from the “signal” of real energy supply and peak demand conditions.
MONTH
April
EDITION
172
In this editorial, we analyze the possible threat to the participation of repowering, modernization and expansion of existing hydroelectric plants in the announced power reserve auction, adaptations to current regulations and the expected economic benefits, if they are able to participate in the auctions.
MONTH
March
EDITION
171
In this editorial, we present a general economic discussion on the international experience with market models and ongoing regulatory adaptations for the integration of storage systems and lessons for regulatory actions under discussion in Brazil, especially those driven by ANEEL’s Subsidy Taking 11/2020.
MONTH
February
EDITION
170
In this editorial, we analyze the recent (and ongoing) energy crisis in Texas, caused by an extreme weather event, followed by shocks in supply (due to generation unavailability) and demand (due to the need to heat homes), and the lessons that can be drawn for Brazil.
MONTH
January
EDITION
169
In this first editorial of 2021, PSR analyzes the energy sector’s agenda for 2021.
2020 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
168
In this editorial, PSR analyzes the structural situation of energy supply in Brazil for 2021 in order to identify whether there is a risk of supply and new rationing in the country.
MONTH
November
EDITION
167
In this editorial, we seek to identify the reasons for the rapid change in supply conditions in the Brazilian electricity system, which, after reaching 60% of maximum storage in May and June, levels fell 30 percentage points in four months in an environment of structural energy surplus.
MONTH
October
EDITION
166
In this editorial, we discuss whether gas-fired power plants are attractive to the Brazilian electricity system in terms of economics and supply reliability. We show that the key to the inclusion of these plants is their economic competitiveness compared to other generation options for providing the same services to the electricity sector.
MONTH
September
EDITION
165
In this editorial, we address the main provisions of Provisional Measure 998, which, in addition to addressing more urgent issues related to the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, superficially addresses topics that could constitute the sector’s modernization reform, but which in fact require more structural analysis for the system to function efficiently and seamlessly.
MONTH
August
EDITION
164
In this editorial, we seek to understand why the Brazilian system still lacks a demand response program and what the prospects are for the development of this important resource for supply adequacy.
MONTH
July
EDITION
163
In this editorial, we will present an offshore power generation solution with carbon capture in the Pre-Salt fields, as a way to monetize natural gas from the reservoirs and respect ESG issues.
MONTH
June
EDITION
162
In this editorial, we review the legal and regulatory measures taken to ensure the sustainability of the electricity sector amid the Covid-19 pandemic, discuss lessons learned from this and other crises, and discuss some paths for the sector’s recovery.
MONTH
May
EDITION
161
In this editorial, we show that flexibility resources at both the generation and transmission levels should be an important component of the technical and methodological improvements required for the large-scale insertion of renewable and distributed energy resources (RED).
MONTH
April
EDITION
160
In this editorial, we analyze the three main crises faced by the Brazilian Electricity Sector with the aim of obtaining lessons to face the current crisis.
MONTH
Edition 159: March/2020 - A CRISIS IN C: CORONA, FUEL, CONSUMPTION, EXCHANGE, CONTRACTS.
EDITION
159
The objective of this editorial is to present an overview of the main impacts of Covid-19 on the Brazilian electricity sector and discuss general principles for the sector to address this challenge.
MONTH
February
EDITION
158
In this editorial, we present an analysis of the recommendations presented in Focus 1 of the Colombian Energy Transformation Mission, which specifically addressed improvements in the wholesale energy market through two key themes: (i) nodal prices in the short-term market and (ii) mechanisms to ensure supply adequacy. For each of these themes, we will discuss the proposals raised, how they fit into the current Colombian reality, and to what extent similar regulatory challenges or proposals may be desirable for Brazil.
MONTH
January
EDITION
157
CNPE publishes resolution defining new supply guarantee criteria for SIN. Or not?
2019 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
156
The objective of this editorial is to present, through four case studies, a discussion on the conflicts between water use and the electricity sector. These examples are part of a study developed by PSR and Instituto Escolhas on the water, energy, and food nexus and presented at a seminar organized by Folha de São Paulo in November 2019.
MONTH
November
EDITION
155
In this editorial, PSR contributes to the discussion about the Electric Energy Compensation System for beneficiaries of micro and mini distributed generation (MMGD), explaining that, for the correct valuation of this service, it is necessary to consider the costs and benefits that distributed generation brings to the electrical system.
MONTH
October
EDITION
154
In this edition, we describe analytical tools and methodologies that can contribute to a better understanding and quantification of the benefits and costs for consumers and distributors of the insertion of technologies such as DG, batteries, flexibility aggregators, and IoT.
MONTH
September
EDITION
153
In this editorial, PSR discusses the topic of “separation between ballast and energy”, addressing its essential questions: what is separation, why is it important to separate and how to separate, in order to contribute to the ongoing public consultation of the MME and seek the understanding that the path to be taken must be the result of a conscious choice, which has as its goal to ensure in the future an Electricity Sector that is always efficient and sustainable.
MONTH
August
EDITION
152
In this editorial, we comprehensively discuss the MME’s proposal for the partial opening of the Brazilian market to be carried out by 2022, highlighting the issues that motivated the PSR’s contribution to the Public Consultation.
MONTH
July
EDITION
151
In this editorial, PSR analyzes the current incentive mechanisms for energy contracting by distributors, using as motivation the distributors’ demand statement for the A-6 auction of October 2019, and discusses alternatives to improve efficiency in energy contracting.
MONTH
June
EDITION
150
In this editorial, we discuss the contribution submitted by PSR in the first phase of Public Hearing No. 22/2019, whose theme is the review of the minimum and maximum limits of the Difference Settlement Price – PLD, and we address some issues related to the topic that will certainly need to be further explored in the coming months and years, so that we can have a dynamic and functional short-term market that induces efficient behavior on the part of agents.
MONTH
May
EDITION
149
In this editorial, PSR analyzes an alternative to meet the need for operational flexibility in Brazil with the rapid expansion of variable renewable sources: UHR, which is a proven and reliable technology to complement other storage options and provide the capacity to integrate intermittent renewable sources.
MONTH
April
EDITION
148
In this editorial, we discuss the main issues addressed at the PSR and Canal Energia Workshop, outlining, from PSR’s perspective, the sector’s agenda for 2019.
MONTH
March
EDITION
147
In this editorial, we discuss the importance of adopting hourly pricing in Brazil and the significant benefits it can bring to our electricity sector.
MONTH
February
EDITION
146
In this editorial, PSR analyzes the current loss allocation methodology in the Brazilian transmission system, which does not capture important characteristics of the locational contribution of generators and demands, with important commercial impacts, and proposes a methodology that would capture these aspects.
MONTH
January
EDITION
145
In this editorial, we analyze what happened to the energy trading company Vega Energy, present some solutions to mitigate the risk of this type of event that are adopted in other markets, and finally, show that proposals already existed in the Brazilian electricity sector for this purpose.
2018 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
144
In this editorial, we analyze the recent Ministerial Order on the opening of the energy market and its relationship with CP 33. We also analyze the energy certificate mechanism implemented in the Mexican market, which serves as an example for the improvement of the Brazilian Electricity Sector.
MONTH
November
EDITION
143
In this editorial, we discuss the formation and impact of hourly prices on the various segments of the electricity sector.
MONTH
October
EDITION
142
In this editorial, PSR presents the methodology used in the study on the real costs and benefits of electricity generation sources in Brazil, prepared for Instituto Escolhas, and the results obtained, which are the starting point for discussions on expansion planning and rectification of attributes.
MONTH
September
EDITION
141
In this editorial, PSR analyzes one of the challenges of the CP 33 proposals, which is the topic of sustainable expansion of generation, focusing on two points: (1) how to ensure the participation of the free consumption segment in the expansion, and (2) how to address the issue of price formation in the short-term market.
MONTH
August
EDITION
140
In this editorial, we present some reflections and suggestions on how to stimulate and direct innovation, based on PSR’s experiences with research, development, and commercialization of technological solutions in dozens of countries over the past twenty years, such as the Hera inventory system and the Genesys energy planning system for the US West Coast.
MONTH
July
EDITION
139
In this editorial, PSR analyzes (again) the way wind power plants are contracted, which can distort the optimal expansion of the system, and the new ANEEL proposal in which wind power has the possibility of changing its seasonality each year, which can allow generators to extract extra income from consumers through strategic declarations of seasonality indexes.
MONTH
June
EDITION
138
The topic of this editorial is the potential government reserve energy auction for the contracting of natural gas-fired thermal plants in the Northeast region, impacting consumer costs. The PSR believes that the decision to build thermal generation should result from a process of optimizing generation and transmission systems and should not be made in isolation.
MONTH
May
EDITION
137
The topic of this editorial is the new proposal for a quantity contract for wind farms in Brazil, which suggests that the contract should follow the plant’s generation profile, which could affect efficient generation contracting signals at auctions and harm consumers.
MONTH
April
EDITION
136
In this issue, we analyze the main transmission cost allocation methodologies and argue that the AS scheme addresses the known and significant limitations of the Nodal methodology currently adopted in Brazil. We also warn that some of the proposals in the Consultation to strengthen the locational signal of the current Nodal methodology may lead to distortions of the same.
MONTH
March
EDITION
135
In this editorial, we address the topic of identifying the different attributes of generation sources. These attributes are used to quantify the real costs and benefits of each source. We present the identification methodology and some preliminary results of this quantification, which are part of a study that PSR is conducting for Instituto Escolhas, in conjunction with EPE.
MONTH
February
EDITION
134
In this editorial, PSR presents its reflections on the draft Bill for the Modernization and Opening of the Free Electricity Market and outlines its opinions on the topics addressed, indicating which can be improved and/or deepened and which could still be contemplated.
MONTH
January
EDITION
133
This editorial recaps (1) the reasons for creating the MRE and (2) the measures proposed by the government through CP 33 to restore hydrological risk management. It then identifies and proposes some risk management mechanisms that the government has not yet considered in its package of measures proposed in CP 33.
2017 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
132
The editorial addresses a major concern among power system planners and operators: the impact of the massive adoption of renewable sources due to the accelerated reduction in their investment costs. A methodology used in a PSR study for Chile to calculate generation reserves is detailed, taking into account the probabilistic characteristics of these variable sources.
MONTH
November
EDITION
131
In this editorial, we discuss the formation and impact of hourly prices on the various segments of the electricity sector.
MONTH
October
EDITION
130
This issue’s topic is the GSF and MRE dispute. However, due to the provisional measure that the government is about to publish, an exceptional supplement to the Energy Report will be published with an opinion section after the provisional measure is released.
MONTH
September
EDITION
129
In this edition, we analyze the interconnections between Brazil and neighboring countries, showing that, when used systematically rather than on an emergency basis, they generate significant benefits for economic exchanges.
MONTH
August
EDITION
128
In this edition, we analyze whether investments in transmission reinforcements in Brazil are being made in the best possible way and whether transmission costs are being shared between generators and demand efficiently.
MONTH
July
EDITION
127
In this section we present the PSR’s proposals for Public Consultation 33.
MONTH
June
EDITION
126
In this section, we will analyze mechanisms for handling distributors’ legacy contracts and ensuring the expansion of generation to supply the free market.
MONTH
May
EDITION
125
In this section, we analyze how much of the PLD variation is due to the natural variability of inflows, and how much is “noise” caused by the current pricing methodology.
MONTH
April
EDITION
124
In this section, we revisit the issue of hydroelectric potential planning and evaluate how new techniques and computational resources can be employed for a more transparent and objective process that balances economic development and environmental conservation.
MONTH
March
EDITION
123
In this edition, we analyze the reasons why Brazil separated new and existing energy and the pros and cons of maintaining this separation in improving the regulatory framework.
MONTH
February
EDITION
122
In this edition, we analyze the role of planning in several countries with market environments in South America and the United States.
MONTH
January
EDITION
121
In this edition we present preliminary proposals for market mechanisms to adjust the contractual position of distributors.
2016 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
120
The first edition of ER, in January 2006, addressed the gas supply problems in Bolivia, Argentina, and Brazil, which reduced the system’s firm supply capacity by 16% and led to the “scare” of January 2008, when the risk of a deficit exceeded 30%. Since then, ER has analyzed several advances, such as auctions, some setbacks, and other “scares.” Our anniversary coincides with a new stage of improvement in the sectoral model, which is the topic of this editorial. Many thanks to our readers; we hope to continue deserving of your interest and trust in the now “pre-adolescent” ER.
MONTH
November
EDITION
119
In this edition we cover: (i) Review of the physical guarantees of hydroelectric plants; and (ii) conversion of MP 735 into law.
MONTH
October
EDITION
118
The focus of this edition is the theme “harmonization between the electricity and natural gas sectors” of the MME’s Gas for Growth program.
MONTH
September
EDITION
117
In this section, we make an initial assessment of each amendment to MP 735 approved by the Chamber.
MONTH
August
EDITION
116
In this section, we show that the abolition of the replacement amount rule can have significant side effects, including maintaining the system’s physical oversupply for several years, impacting PLD expectations, and we analyze other alternatives for addressing distributors’ overcontracting.
MONTH
July
EDITION
115
The theme of this edition is to analyze the so-called “portability project” and suggest some ways to ensure the success of its implementation, if approved, resulting in maximum benefit for consumers, agents and society.
MONTH
June
EDITION
114
In this edition, we will analyze a topic that continues to keep us awake at night – the low flows observed in the São Francisco River – and its impact on the effectiveness of using probabilistic flow models and reducing the minimum flow restriction.
MONTH
May
EDITION
113
In this and future editions of ER, we will analyze the commitments made by the Brazilian government at COP 21 in Paris. In this edition, we will address the goal of achieving energy efficiency equivalent to 10% of consumption by 2030. We will present the benefits for the Brazilian electricity sector and why it is cheaper to invest in energy conservation than in expanding the electricity system. Furthermore, we will propose an agenda not only to achieve the goal, but to exceed it.
MONTH
April
EDITION
112
In this section, we analyze possible reasons for the recent discrepancies between the ONS operational guidelines and the economic signals of the official operational model, for example, the activation of thermal plants with a CVU of 600 R$/MWh when the marginal cost of operation (CMO) was zero.
MONTH
March
EDITION
111
In this edition, we analyze the government’s apparent contradiction in announcing that there is an excess of 12,000 MW of average generation and, at the same time, auctioning new capacity.
MONTH
February
EDITION
110
The objective of this section is to analyze the government’s assertion that we are experiencing the worst water crisis in a hundred years. It will be shown that the flows over the last three and two years were not particularly severe, and that the problem lies in structural generation capacity.
MONTH
January
EDITION
109
The topic of this fourth chapter on proposals for improving the sectoral model is Bill 1917/15, known as “electricity bill portability,” which aims to encourage greater demand participation in the free market (ACL). In particular, we will discuss the issue of “legacy contracts”: how to prevent the distributor from having an excess of “backlogged” contracts if a significant portion of its consumers migrate to the ACL.
2015 Editions
MONTH
December
EDITION
108
In this third chapter of proposals for improving the sectoral model, we analyze the reasons for the failures of transmission auctions and the effectiveness of recent government measures.
MONTH
November
EDITION
107
This is the second part of a series of analyses on adjustments to the sectoral model. In the previous edition, we discussed the decoupling between supply contracts and physical guarantees. This edition focuses on the multiple uses of water, taking the storage situation in the Northeast as a starting point.
MONTH
October
EDITION
106
In this and future editions of ER, we will discuss possible adjustments to the sectoral model. In this edition, we will analyze the topic of firm capacity and supply security. The following topics will be: (i) price formation and the impact of risk aversion mechanisms on hydroelectric generators; (ii) the free market’s role in expanding supply; and (iii) adapting distribution activities to the inclusion of distributed generation and demand response.
MONTH
September
EDITION
105
In this issue, we present an overview of the current status of isolated systems, currently supplied mostly by diesel generation, and analyze the technical and economic feasibility of using solar energy and batteries, as well as potential commercial and regulatory obstacles. For those curious about the choice of an island as the cover image: PSR has conducted expansion planning studies for islands such as São Tomé and Príncipe, Mauritius, Seychelles, and others, and we have found that the solutions and planning methodologies are quite applicable from isolated systems to islands and vice versa.
MONTH
August
EDITION
104
In this section, we analyze the reasons for the “demonization” of reservoirs and show that the potential storage capacity of new projects was underestimated because inventory studies a priori ruled out this type of plant. Finally, we demonstrate that new computational and methodological resources allow for agile and cost-effective revisiting of inventories.
MONTH
July
EDITION
103
The objectives of this editorial are: (i) to recall the impacts of the 1997/1998 El Niño in different parts of the globe and in Brazil; and (ii) to show how such a phenomenon can be considered in our long- and medium-term operation planning models.
MONTH
June
EDITION
102
This editorial analyzes the impact of greater spatial and temporal detail in economic signals (transmission grid usage tariffs and energy prices) on consumers, generators, and planners. The potential benefit of these more detailed signals is due to the penetration of renewable generation (biomass, wind, and solar) in medium voltage and is expected to increase further with the entry of distributed generation (solar, fuel cells, etc.) and demand response in low voltage.
MONTH
May
EDITION
101
The topic of the opinion section is energy interconnections between countries, motivated by an article published by the Acende Brasil Institute that critically analyzed the Brazilian system’s interconnections with neighboring countries. Given the recent entry into operation of the interconnection between Chile and Argentina, the PSR presents an alternative perspective with the following objectives: (i) analyze advantages and disadvantages based on experience with previous interconnections; (ii) describe new tools for analyzing interconnections; and (iii) publicize the recent creation of international regional planning groups.
MONTH
April
EDITION
100
In this section, we describe a recent study on the impact of climate change on Brazilian hydroelectric production, conducted by INPE, COPPE, and PSR, and sponsored by the Secretariat of Strategic Affairs (SAE). The results are worrying and indicate that planning studies and investment decisions for hydroelectric plants should already take these impacts into account.
MONTH
Edition 99: March/2015 - ENERGY TARIFF: WE HAVEN'T REACHED ROCK BOTTOM YET...
EDITION
99
The objective of this section is to show that, in addition to the average 41% increase in tariffs in the first quarter of 2015, there are still expenses of tens of billions of reais that will still be transferred to consumers, such as Eletrobrás’ debt with Petrobras, compensation for generation and transmission concessions, GSF compensation, and others.
MONTH
February
EDITION
98
The objective of this section is to analyze the government’s assertion that we are experiencing the worst water crisis in a hundred years. It will be shown that the flows over the last three and two years were not particularly severe, and that the problem lies in structural generation capacity.
MONTH
January
EDITION
97
The main topics of this section are: (i) the (lack of) reliability of the transmission system; and (ii) the apparent decline in investor interest in participating in transmission concession auctions in recent years.
