During his participation in the 5th edition of Canal Connect, Stella Fuão, C-level director at EDP Smart, stated that Brazil is experiencing a historic moment in the electricity sector, with the future opening of the Free Energy Market to Group B consumers.
"We are living in an incredible moment in Brazil. Never again in history, after liberalization, will we have an opportunity like this. We need to prepare thoroughly for this opening—and it applies not only to high-voltage markets, but also to B2B and B2C markets in low-voltage markets," he stated.
Currently, only Group A consumers — companies connected to medium and high voltage — have access to the Free Energy Market, allowing them to choose their supplier and negotiate prices and contract terms.
Consumers in Group B, connected to low voltage (such as businesses, residences, and small businesses), are still tied to local distributors. This situation is expected to change with the gradual opening planned for the coming years, increasing competition and transforming the relationship between agents, consumers, and regulators.
According to Stella, this transition represents a unique opportunity that will require preparation, simplification, and new ways of interacting with customers, ensuring a solid and reliable after-sales service. "There's no point in selling if you can't invoice, receive payments, or provide after-sales service that meets the customer's expectations. You need to simplify processes and understand this new customer," she explained.
She also reinforced that EDP has invested in technology, partnerships, and personalized service as strategic differentiators, highlighting that the company is prepared to serve a new potential base of 30 million consumers.
"EDP strongly believes in partnerships. We are focused, prepared, and will actively participate in this movement. We have 2,9 GW of our own generation, including solar, wind, and hydro—which allows us to offer energy safely and reliably," he added.
Stella concluded by saying that this moment demands cooperation between companies and regulators. "There's still a lot to be adjusted, but it's a brilliant time. I feel privileged to be living through this transition and excited to build the future of energy in Brazil."
Regulation and legal certainty
During the same panel, Cláudio Junqueira, technical-regulatory coordinator at Casa dos Ventos, highlighted that the opening of the Free Energy Market can only move forward with a clear legal command and a structured public policy.
"Approval is important, but it needs to be in line with public policy. Entrepreneurs have been prepared for this opening for some time—what's missing now is a legal mandate that establishes guidelines and timelines," he noted.
According to him, the sector is already structuring itself technically and is capable of keeping up with regulatory developments. "Companies are ready. What we need is this signal to get the process moving. We've been in talks with the CCEE and other agencies to ensure a safe transition," he explained.
Cláudio concluded by reinforcing his optimism about the national scenario. "Brazil has enormous prospecting capacity and is prepared to take this step. With the legal framework in place, the market will find its natural growth rhythm."
Fair competition and customer relationships
The discussion about competition between energy traders and distributors also gained prominence. Alexandre Gomes, CEO of Matrix Energia, emphasized that competition must take place "within the four lines," respecting the rules of the game.
The executive also compared the current situation to the opening of the telecommunications market, emphasizing that there's room for companies of all sizes to stand out with operational excellence and passion for what they do. "The challenge is enormous, but those who deliver good service and excel in their delivery will find their place. Want to compete with those already in the game? You have to be better," he concluded.
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