The MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) published a decree that defines the guidelines for the seasons of the PNAST (National Policy for Access to the Transmission System), creating a new model to organize access to the electricity grid in situations of capacity disputes.
The measure establishes criteria for registering interested parties, calculating available capacity, and rules for classification when there is competition between projects.
In practice, the regulation replaces the traditional logic based solely on chronological order with a model structured in periodic windows (so-called access seasons) that function as competitive processes for allocating available network capacity.
Extended deadline
As part of the implementation of the new model, the ONS (National Electric System Operator) decided to extend until May 5th the deadline for submitting contributions to the external consultation on the methodology for the first access season.
The consultation, which began on April 17, seeks to gather input from stakeholders and the public on the criteria, stages, and procedures that will guide the process. The extension of the deadline reflects the complexity of the topic and the need for fine-tuning the model before the first round, scheduled for this year.
How will the seasons work?
According to MME guidelines, agents interested in accessing or expanding their use of the network must register with ONS during specific periods, which are announced at least 30 days in advance.
After the registration period closes, the Operator will have a deadline to validate the requests, while EPE (Energy Research Company) will work together to define the methodology for calculating available capacity.
This calculation will be crucial in determining whether a competitive bidding process is necessary. If the demand for access exceeds the available capacity at a given point in the network, a bidding process based on economic criteria will be held, in which interested parties compete for the right to connect.
The ordinance also establishes that transmission companies must be consulted on the physical feasibility of the connections, with a deadline for their response, and that the results of the seasons will serve as a basis for planning the expansion of the network, supporting studies of the POTEE (Plan for Granting Electricity Transmission Licenses).
Another important point is that the remaining capacity will be calculated considering not only the existing infrastructure, but also projects already granted or planned, ensuring greater predictability for stakeholders.
Furthermore, the policy provides for the separation of capacity between generation and consumption segments, prioritizing consumption in case of conflict – except for specific guidelines from the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME).
According to the ministry, PNAST aims to provide greater transparency, efficiency, and rationality to access to the transmission network, in a context of strong growth in demand for connectivity, driven primarily by renewable sources and large energy consumers.
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