Myths and truths about the Free Energy Market

With the gradual opening of the Brazilian electricity sector, the so-called Free Energy Market has become an increasingly relevant alternative for companies seeking to reduce costs and, above all, gain predictability in managing one of their main inputs.

Unlike the traditional model, where energy is contracted in a standardized way with the distributor, the free market allows the consumer to choose their supplier and directly negotiate the purchase conditions.

In practice, this means more autonomy to set prices, deadlines, and contract volumes, adapting energy consumption to the needs and financial planning of the business. Even so, some doubts about how this model works and misconceptions remain barriers for many companies.

For Rodrigo Meurer, Product Manager at Matrix Energia, the Free Market represents a structural change in how energy is handled within organizations. "It's a model that allows for planning, predictability, and intelligence in energy management, in addition to cost reduction, aligning consumption with business strategies," he explains.

In this context, the industry professional emphasizes that understanding how the model works is essential for more informed decision-making. To support this understanding, the executive clarifies below some of the main myths and truths about the Free Energy Market.

Can only companies with consumption above 500 kW migrate to the Free Energy Market?

Myth. Access to the free market has been expanding over the years. Although it started with large industries and establishments with consumption above 500kW, today companies served at high and medium voltage (Group A) can already migrate. Furthermore, with Law No. 15.269/2025, the market will be fully open by 2028, allowing all consumers to choose their energy supplier through the free energy market.

Can companies that pay R$10 or more per month in energy bills already consider switching to a different provider?

Truth. Any high or medium voltage customer paying R$10 or more per month can switch to the Free Energy Market. The company simply needs to request a feasibility study from the energy trading company to determine if the solution fits their needs.

Does migrating to the Free Market mean changing your energy distributor?

Myth. In the free market, the change occurs in the way contracts are made. Consumers now choose from whom to buy energy, and can negotiate prices and conditions through energy trading companies. The wire that carries the energy (distribution network) remains the property of the distributor, but the "electron" can be purchased from another supplier. In other words, the distributor remains responsible for delivering the energy to the point of consumption, while the purchase of energy is now freely made on the market.

Are there any risks to the energy supply when migrating to the Free Market?

Myth. Migration does not alter the physical supply of energy, which remains the responsibility of the distributor. The advisory role of the energy trading company in defining the contracting strategy in the free market is fundamental to structuring contracts aligned with the consumption profile.

Is there no cost predictability in the Free Energy Market?

Myth. In the Free Market, it's possible to negotiate long-term contracts with a fixed price, guaranteeing greater stability and predictability in costs. Furthermore, there is no impact from tariff flags – which are the system created by... ANEEL to indicate, on a monthly basis, whether the energy bill is cheaper or more expensive depending on energy generation conditions, thus reducing fluctuations in the energy bill.

Is migrating to Mercado Libre a complex and difficult process to implement?

Myth. The process is structured and conducted with the support of trading companies, such as Matrix Energia, which monitors the entire process from diagnosis to operation. In practice, Matrix guides a clear and organized journey, starting with consumption analysis, defining the best solution, structuring contracts, migration, and ongoing management. The process involves the consumer, the distributor, and the CCEE (Chamber of Electric Energy Commercialization), ensuring safety at every stage.

Does Mercado Libre transform energy into a strategic asset for the business? 

Truth. More than just saving money, the model allows for planning, control, and active management of consumption, directly contributing to the competitiveness of companies, which can reallocate their saved resources to investments.

Do I need to install solar panels to join Mercado Libre? 

Myth. There's no need to install solar panels or generate your own energy. In the Free Market, consumers can buy energy from different sources, including renewables such as solar, wind, hydro, or biomass, directly from suppliers. The choice of energy source is part of the negotiation, without the need for construction or adaptations to the site's structure.

Is an investment required to migrate to the Free Energy Market?

Myth. Migration requires no investment. The process mainly involves contractual and regulatory adjustments, conducted with the support of the trading company, such as Matrix. Only in some cases may the distributor request adjustments to the metering system and/or substation, according to technical standards and inspection of the consumer unit. This is a standard procedure, necessary for the system to meet the requirements for migrating to the Free Energy Market.

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