EN 
PT_BR 
O free energy market won more than 1.4 thousand new consumer units in the first quarter 2023, a volume that represents a 30% growth compared to the same period last year. This is what the CCEE (Electricity Trading Chamber)
According to the entity, considering the progress observed in the year, the The market already has more than 32 thousand points of consumption and represents 37% of total electrical energy demand from Brazil.
A most of the new consumption points of the first quarter, around 850, is in Special category, which gives agents the right to choose encouraged sources, such as wind, solar, biomass and small hydroelectric plants. The rest are in the Free range, which can negotiate with any type of source.
In the evaluation by branches of economic activity, the majority of consumption units in the free market are distributed among the commerce, services and food sectors. In the regional survey, the points are more concentrated in São Paulo (10 thousand), Rio Grande do Sul (3 thousand) and Minas Gerais (2.9 thousand).
Expansion of the free market
CCEE stated that it has actively contributed to opening the free market to more consumers, with contributions to the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) and ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency). The objective is to ensure that the process is sustainable, continuous and predictable.
In the organization's understanding, this transformation must be accompanied by regulatory improvements and the strengthening of the figure of the retail supplier, who will be responsible for representing consumers in the day-to-day energy sales.
In September 2022, the MME published Ordinance 50/2022, which allows all consumers connected to high voltage, such as industries and medium-sized companies, to operate in the free market from 2024.
The department also opened a Public Consultation for market contributions regarding the opening schedule for residences, small businesses, rural units and public services.
