ABSOLAR proposes emergency program to reduce electricity bills by R$817 million

To bring savings of R$817 million over 25 years in electricity bills and increase direct and indirect revenues by R$237 million to the public coffers. These are some of the objectives of ABSOLAR (Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy), which presented a proposal to create an emergency program to install photovoltaic solar systems in low-income consumers with Social Tariff.

The measure, presented to the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the presidents of the Chamber, Rodrigo Maia, and the Senate, Davi Alcolumbre, appears as a way to alleviate the effects of the economic crisis resulting from social isolation in the fight against coronavirus.

According to the entity, part of the value could be used to install 87,5 photovoltaic systems, helping to generate new jobs and providing savings of R$253 million in the CDE (Energy Development Account) over 25 years.

The proposal was prepared in support of the government's intention to exempt, for three months, the charge for electricity on consumers registered in the Social Tariff Program. The government's initial measure would require approximately R$1,05 billion in resources over the period.

“Our intention is to contribute to the debate initiated by the government, to make it possible to reduce economic impacts, especially for the most vulnerable population. The proposal has great potential for financial relief for low-income citizens and allows the strengthening of economic recovery actions, generating jobs and income more quickly”, commented Ronaldo Koloszuk, president of the Board of Directors of Absolar.

According to Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO of Absolar, an emergency program for the use of solar energy would bring immediate savings and relief to users. “Furthermore, the gain would be long-lasting, as the equipment has a useful life of more than 25 years. There would also be a significant structural reduction in the CDE values, reducing this charge that is currently shared on the electricity bill of all Brazilians, easing the cost for all consumers”, concluded Sauaia.