O MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) published, in the Official Gazette of the Union this Wednesday (28), the Ordinance 50/2022, allowing consumers classified as Group A to purchase electricity from any supplier from January 2024.
According to the MME, with the measure, around 106 thousand new consumer units will be able to migrate to the free market. “Studies and market projections carried out by the MME indicate that the opening to this class will not have an impact on captive consumers who remain with the distributors”, pointed out the Ministry.
“Liberalization represents the first advance in relation to the 500 kW limit defined by Law No. 9,427/1996, by allowing any consumer served by the Group A Tariff, regardless of their consumption, to choose their supplier”, highlighted the MME.
The creation of the ordinance is the result of Public Consultation No. 131/2022, which received contributions from 60 market agents from all segments of the Brazilian electricity sector. “No agent was against the measure, which demonstrates the maturity of the matter so that opening can be promoted”, informed the Ministry.
A Folder informed that it will also open a new public consultation to also discuss the opening of Mercado Livre for low voltage consumers. “The next step will allow all electricity consumers to access Mercado Livre. The topic will soon be discussed in a public consultation.”