Electricity consumption is expected to return to the same levels as 2019 in September, indicating that the sector is recovering from the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is what the CCEE (Electric Energy Trading Chamber) pointed out.
In August, consumption was 0,3% below that recorded in the same period of 2019. In the months of April and May, the most acute period of the crisis, consumption fell by 12,1% and 10,9%, respectively, in compared to last year.
According to Rui Altieri, president of CCEE, all segments of the economy are already in the process of resuming consumption growth, whether in the regulated or free environment, strengthening the perception of a resumption of economic activity after the easing of social isolation measures.
“What we have been signaling since July is normalization. Some sectors, such as services, transport and commerce, are still experiencing a decline, but less than at the height of the pandemic, so there is a recovery”, said the executive.
“Our expectation is that from September and October all sectors will be at the same level or above last year”, added Altieri, highlighting that higher temperatures this year should also influence greater energy use.
According to the ONS (National Electric System Operator), the energy load should increase 0,5% in September in a year-on-year comparison.
Free market sees increase of 5,2% in consumption in August
Energy consumption in the free market increased 5,2% in August compared to the same month last year, according to a survey by CCEE. In the regulated market, however, consumption fell 2,3% on the same basis of comparison, which led to a record of stability in the SIN (National Interconnected System).
The preliminary results, relating to August 1st to 28th, do not consider the migration of 905 average MW in loads from the regulated environment. Excluding the effects of migration, the free market had a slight increase of 0,5%, while the regulated market remained stable (-0,1%).
