A MP 998 (Provisional Measure 998/2020), also known as Consumer MP, was published this Wednesday (2) in the DOU (Official Gazette of the Union). The text complements the PM 950, which guaranteed a three-month exemption from paying energy bills for approximately 10 million low-income families.
According to the publication, MP 998 uses resources from the RGR (Global Reversion Reserve) and the CDE (Energy Development Account) to reduce energy tariffs until December 31, 2025. In addition, it allocates funds to reduce the impact of the adjustment tariff for Eletrobras distributors that were privatized, benefiting consumers in the North and Northeast regions.
According to the General Secretariat, the resources will reduce adjustments for consumers of Amazonas Distribuidora de Energia, Boa Vista Energia, Companhia de Eletricidade do Amapá, Companhia Energética de Alagoas, Companhia Energética do Piauí, Centrais Elétricas de Rondônia and Companhia de Eletricidade do Acre.
According to the General Secretariat, the MP must also change other rules in the electricity sector. Among the changes is that of allowing the CNPE (National Energy Policy Council) to authorize the grant for the exploration of the Angra 3 nuclear thermoelectric plant and also to celebrate the contract for the commercialization of the energy that will be generated by the plant.
About CDE
The CDE is an electricity sector fund that pays for public policies and subsidy programs, such as Luz para Todos and the discount on irrigation tariffs. The account is funded by the electricity tariff paid by Brazilian consumers and can also, by law, receive resources from the National Treasury.
