Brazil works to maintain energy security amid the crisis, says Albuquerque

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Bento Albuquerque, stated this Wednesday (9), on the “A Voz do Brasil” Program, that the Federal Government is monitoring the Brazilian electricity sector daily and drawing up plans for the country to maintain its security energy and the price of energy at the lowest possible cost.

The country, which is experiencing the worst drought in 91 years, has critical levels of water reserves in its strategic reservoirs. “Since last year, we have started importing energy from Argentina and Uruguay. We have also authorized the commissioning of thermoelectric plants to preserve our reservoirs as much as possible,” said the judge.

During the program, Albuquerque said that there will be a need to manage Brazilian energy production even after the crisis period. “Our reservoirs work as batteries for hydroelectric plants and the principle is to preserve as much water as possible, so that when we reach the end of the dry season we can generate energy. We need to have the capacity to counter peak demand,” he commented.

Regarding the red flag tariffs, which are being applied in a large part of the country, he only said that the production cost of thermoelectric plants is heavier for the consumer's pocket. "Since we are using thermoelectric plants, the cost of the energy bill is more expensive. As soon as we return [he did not specify a date] the cost will be lower again," he assured.

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The minister also appealed to the population and asked everyone to save energy as much as possible at this time. “We have to be aware that there is a challenge to be overcome: the biggest water crisis in the last 91 years, but we have all the conditions to overcome this challenge.”

Risk of rationing?

Less than two weeks ago, Albuquerque stated that Brazil was not at risk of energy rationing. “Everything indicates that the situation is under control,” he said, in an interview with the newspaper O Globo. “There is no risk of energy rationing,” he reinforced, shortly afterwards, to CNN Brasil. The statements were accompanied by the Union’s decision to create a situation office to monitor the progress of the energy crisis in the country.

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The working group was organized to work in a coordinated and articulated manner with other institutions responsible for the governance of the sector. “The government will not be caught by surprise. We started the campaign to save electricity and water use at the end of last year. Since December, we have been carrying out these communication campaigns, which will be intensified,” the minister highlighted at the end of last month.