A lack of capacity of energy injection into Campo Belo substation, in the interior of Minas Gerais, is just the tip of iceberg a problem much larger and which already affects a large part of Minas Gerais municipalities.
In almost the entire state, several integrators are taking requests from photovoltaic projects of your customers suspended for an indefinite period from cemig (Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais) under the allegation that there is “network saturation”.
A company claims that does not have the capacity to drain energy in part of their substations and that wait for one press release from ONS (National Electrical System Operator) to find out how to act to resolve the problem.
In response to forwarded requests, the Cemig sends the same standard communication for integrators, simply informing that they will need to make investments in the network and leaving it open or just notifying the problem without leaving a deadline to resolve it.
With this, the projects don't get off the ground, customers are upset and many companies are closing the doors or are already beginning to record large-scale losses, as is the case with integrator Guilherme Henrique, which has already recorded losses of more than R$400.
“Before we send a request to Cemig, there is a cost for the ART (Technical Responsibility Note), project engineering, documentation, power of attorney, among others. What happens is that we are doing all this so that in the end the concessionaire says that the network has reached its limit and that if we are still interested we should send a new request”, she commented.
The integrator states, however, that even if he sends a new request, Cemig responds with the same email that had been sent to him previously. “Stay in that loop infinite”, he pointed out.
Yes, other professionals interviewed by the report complain about the fact that Cemig is unable to predict and solve possible network saturation problems, since the company recorded billion-dollar profits in 2022.
“It is the concessionaire’s duty to adapt to this (network saturation). If it got into this situation, at the very least, it was a lack of planning”, highlighted Gabriel Tomé, one of the integrators interviewed.
Hearing in the Chamber
The problems caused to photovoltaic companies in Minas Gerais led some sector associations to take measures against Cemig, among them is the MSL (Free Solar Movement).
In an interview with Canal Solar, Hewerton Martins, president of the entity, said that the association has already contacted federal deputy Celso Russomanno (Republicanos/SP), who chairs the Consumer Protection Committee of the Chamber of Deputies.
“We will send a formal complaint via letter regarding the cases of Cemig and ONS deadline suspension. He (Celso Russomanno) will call a public hearing and call all parties involved to explain and propose a solution”, said Martins.
Replies
Sought by the report of the Canal Solar, cemig only reported which “works to meet all connection requests for photovoltaic systems in its concession area within the deadlines and standards set out in legislation”.
The company also highlighted in its official response that “information on the volume of connections and other questions can be consulted with the regulatory body, the ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency)”.
Already ANEEL reported, also through an official note, that it sent a circular letter to all distributors requesting data to analyze the behavior of each dealership and that the issue is being monitored by the Agency.
Finally, also at the request of the report, ONS released a note on his website giving his position on the subject.
“For the reasons set out above, the ONS informs that the assessment of the impact caused by the connection of MMGD to the Basic Network, Basic Border Network and DIT must be carried out by the Operator, within the scope of short and medium-term studies, and the expansion and reinforcement works necessary to meet the expansion of load, generation and MMGD, in the concession area of the distributors, must be indicated in a structural manner in the PAR/PEL, consolidated with EPE and MME, to be authorized or auctioned by the ANEEL. Therefore, the issuance of a Technical Opinion provided for in Art. 75 of the Normative Resolution does not apply. ANEEL No. 1.000/2021 for MMGD”, states part of the note.
Click here and check out the full ONS note.
Comments (8)
Comments are moderated before publication.Comments should be respectful and contribute to a healthy debate. Offensive comments may be removed. The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the author. Canal Solar.
For me, the only solution is PRIVATIZATION. And I really hope that Zema can achieve this here in Minas Gerais. Because if he doesn't achieve it during his term and we have the displeasure of having the LEFT in the government of Minas Gerais, then you will see what is worse!!!
Updates can be found in the article Cemig responds to the solar sector and states that it will not put an end to the rejections. Link: https://canalsolar.com.br/cemig-responde-setor-solar-e-afirma-que-nao-dara-fim-as-reprovacoes/
Were there any updates after the report?
I understand that the distributor (Cemig) has a duty to better explain how the alleged “saturation” happens, if I can use that expression.
The lack of transparency is clear and who knows what CEMIG's real reason for boycotting the use of renewable energy is, making Brazil return to centuries past. It is difficult to work in a country that likes to remain stuck in the past for dubious reasons. Hopelessness sets in in a country without a project and without direction.
This same problem has been widespread, in almost all dealerships; Many investments will be needed in the basic network and distribution to meet what is yet to come in distributed generation.
The insecurity caused in the sector by the lack of definition of what the aforementioned short and medium term would be is a shame.
The content of the letter does not show any type of empathy with the sector's entrepreneurs, contracted employees, nor even with the customers of these companies who, in the event of a major shock in the market, could be left without assistance.
As a formal letter issued by the National System Operator, it meets technical and legal requirements, but lacks important information for those who are being harmed.
We are active in the city of Uberaba.
This situation is also happening in Uberaba.
We hope that Cemig can solve the problem that is affecting our state.