The ONS (National Electric System Operator) released this Monday (22) the result of the first competitive process for contracting reactive power support in Brazil.
Held between November 18 and December 2, 2025, the auction resulted in an average discount of 21% compared to the product's ceiling price. The initiative took place within the scope of the Regulatory Sandbox authorized by... SALE ANEEL # 16.539 / 2025.
The model allowed ONS to test a structured methodology for acquiring ancillary voltage control services, using technical criteria of effectiveness and geographic location. The contracted services are concentrated in strategic areas of Minas Gerais, indicated by the Operator.
According to the Director-General of ONS, Marcio Rea, the experience represents an advance in the management of the electrical system. "The Regulatory Sandbox experience contributes to strengthening the reliability of the National Interconnected System and creates a basis for the regulatory evolution necessary for the modernization of the electricity sector," he stated.
Performance-based and effectiveness-based contracts
The winning agents signed the CPSA-SR (Contracts for the Provision of Ancillary Reactive Support Services), valid from January 1, 2026 until the start of operations of new projects planned under the POTEE (Electricity Transmission Grant Plan).
According to the ONS (National System Operator), the services will be remunerated on a variable basis, according to the amount of reactive power absorbed at the point of connection with the Basic Network. This remuneration is in addition to the minimum requirements already established in the Network Procedures.
"The tender received a total of 500 Mvarh in bids (395 Mvarh effective considering the effectiveness factor), with prices ranging from R$ 23,28/Mvar to R$ 100/Mvarh and an effectiveness factor ranging from 57% to 86%, resulting in the contracting of 400 Mvarh (338 Mvarh effective), with a maximum discount of 31,5% in relation to the ceiling price of the product offered." the Operator informed.
According to Maurício de Souza, Director of IT, Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Affairs at ONS, the implementation of the sandbox promotes the participation of different segments and technologies, in addition to mitigating the need to open transmission lines in the region.
The ONS also reported that new editions of the mechanism are already planned starting in 2026. For more information, visit the page on [website/platform name]. Regulatory Sandbox for Reactive Power Support for Voltage Control.
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