The Public Prosecutor's Office of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul (MPMS) has opened a civil investigation to look into possible irregularities in the contracting of a solar power plant by the Municipality of Nioaque (MS). The project was made possible through financing worth R$ 4,8 million and signed during the previous administration.
The investigation seeks to clarify evidence of potential harm to public funds, given the allegation that the plant has been operating below expectations since the start of its activities in 2024.
According to the current municipal administration, which has contacted the Public Prosecutor's Office, the company that won the bid is not delivering the contracted performance, resulting in energy generation lower than projected in the project.
In light of the case, the MPMS (Public Prosecutor's Office of Mato Grosso do Sul) reported that it requested clarifications from the former mayor of Nioaque, Valdir Couto de Souza Júnior, regarding the terms of the contract and the conditions under which the project was implemented.
In statements to the local press, the former mayor said that he took over the municipality facing financial difficulties, including debts exceeding R$ 2 million with the electricity concessionaire. According to him, the administration promoted payment plans, reorganized the debt, and opted for the implementation of a photovoltaic power plant as a strategy to reduce energy expenses.
What does the contracted company say?
In a note sent to the Canal SolarNexsolar reported that it formally notified the municipality about technical issues related to the photovoltaic plant and indicated the necessary steps for the restoration and proper operation of the system.
The company further added that it had alerted the City Hall about the need to hire a specialized company to perform O&M (Operation and Maintenance) services, emphasizing that such activities were not included in the scope of the contract signed with the municipality.
The company also sent images to the news outlet that, according to Nexsolar itself, would demonstrate the conditions in 2025, including the accumulation of dirt and vegetation, factors that, according to the company, could compromise the efficiency and energy generation performance of the system.
See below for Nexsolar's full statement:
"Nexsolar informs that it has formally notified the Municipality of Nioaque/MS, through emails and official letters, of the technical issues related to the photovoltaic plant and the necessary measures for the restoration and stability of its operation, including objective guidelines and negotiations with the concessionaire Energisa/EMS."
The company further clarifies that it expressly advised the Municipality of the need to contract a specialized Operation and Maintenance (O&M) company, which is essential to guarantee consistent generation and performance over time. Nexsolar noted that its contract covered the installation/implementation of the system, and that continuous O&M services—such as monitoring, periodic cleaning of modules, site maintenance, vegetation management, inspections, and component replacement when necessary—require specific contracting and are not included in Contract No. 64/2023.
Finally, Nexsolar emphasizes that the lack of cleanliness and the accumulation of vegetation directly impact efficiency and generation, causing performance losses and shading. To contribute to clarifying the facts, the company informs that it will attach images and technical records that demonstrate the conservation conditions of the site (dirty modules and tall grass/vegetation), factors that directly interfere with the operation and performance of any grid-connected photovoltaic plant. Nexsolar remains available to provide all supporting documentation (official letters, emails, reports, and technical records) to the media outlet and the competent authorities.”
What does the current city administration say?
O Canal Solar The city also sought comment from the current administration of the Nioaque City Hall regarding the points raised in the report, especially concerning the contract signed by the previous administration and the allegations involving the operation and maintenance of the power plant.
To date, there has been no response. The space remains open, and the article will be updated as soon as the City Hall sends its official statement.
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If you don't perform the necessary maintenance, you will suffer a loss of productivity. Each party is responsible for their duties, as described in the contract.