In the last Electrical Energy Statistical Yearbook, 2024, EPE (Energy Research Company) presented a detailed analysis of Brazilian energy data for 2023, highlighting the sectors that lead energy consumption in the country in the Commercial consumption class.
See below which sectors dominate the list of largest consumers in 2023 in the Commercial consumption class and how they impact the market.
1. Retail trade
Retail trade led energy consumption in Brazil in 2023, with a growth of 9,9% compared to the previous year. The sector, which includes stores, supermarkets and shopping centers, consumed 26.671 GWh.
Constant lighting, air conditioning systems, digital displays and equipment such as freezers and refrigerators are largely responsible for consumption, ensuring proper functioning and a comfortable experience for consumers.
2. Wholesale trade
The wholesale sector recorded consumption of 9.326 GWh, an increase of 17,5%. This increase is linked to the expansion of large distribution centers and warehouses.
In addition to lighting large warehouses, consumption is driven by cargo handling equipment and refrigeration systems, which ensure the preservation of perishable products and the safe storage of goods.
3. Services for buildings and landscaping activities
This sector includes essential services for the maintenance of commercial and residential buildings, such as cleaning, gardening, ventilation systems and elevator operation. Electricity is needed to power water pumps, lighting in common areas and other equipment used in daily activities.
Although it was the third sector with the highest energy consumption in 2023, totaling 6.811 GWh, this value represented a decrease of 8,3% compared to 2022.
4. Human health care activities
The healthcare sector showed a significant increase of 19,3%, reflecting investments in hospitals, clinics and laboratories, generating a total consumption of 4.530 GWh.
These environments consume a lot of energy due to the constant use of medical equipment, air conditioning systems and lighting 24 hours a day. In addition, the expansion of health services in response to growing population demand has contributed to the increase in consumption.
5. Telecommunications
Energy consumption in this sector is essential to operate transmission towers, data centers and the infrastructure of telephone and internet networks, without interruption.
Energy ensures full-time connectivity, meeting the demands for essential services for modern society. With the increase in the use of the internet and digital services, the need for energy in this sector tends to grow more and more.
In 2023, 4.322 GWh were consumed, which represented a growth of 10%.
6. Food
The food sector recorded the highest percentage growth in 2023, with an increase of 25,3%. Restaurants, bakeries and snack bars consumed 4.071 GWh of electricity, mainly to operate ovens, electric stoves, freezers and refrigeration systems.
Furthermore, the lighting, sound and air conditioning equipment used to create a welcoming environment for customers also increase the demand for energy.
7. Storage and auxiliary transport activities
With a 6,3% increase, the logistics sector continued to expand, especially due to the growth of e-commerce. Warehouses, distribution centers and transport terminals require energy to move equipment, lighting and refrigeration systems.
In total, 2.944 GWh were consumed for logistics and movement of goods.
8. Real estate activities
Energy consumption in the real estate sector grew by 7,9%, in line with the boom in the property market.
In addition to buildings under construction, residential and commercial condominiums use a lot of energy to operate elevators, light common areas and keep security and air conditioning systems working, which led to the use of 2.802 GWh of electrical energy.
9. Financial services activities
The financial services sector, including bank branches, offices and data centers, consumed 2.737 GWh of electricity, related to the operation of computer systems, lighting and air conditioning, in addition to data security and continuity of digital operations.
Despite high consumption, the sector saw a 6,9% drop. This is largely due to the digitalization of banking services, which has reduced the use of physical branches.
Now, many processes that previously consumed energy in buildings are carried out in digital environments, such as data centers, which have more optimized consumption.
10. Other personal service activities
This group, which includes services such as gyms, beauty salons and beauty clinics, consumed 2.628 GWh of electricity. Specific equipment, such as treills, hair dryers and beauty equipment, are responsible for the energy consumption to ensure customer service and satisfaction.
However, this sector also ed a drop, which was 5,2%.
Energy expert Alan Henn, CEO of Voltera, believes that a solution for businesses that consume the most energy is the free energy market, as it offers more flexibility and options, allowing the choice of the supplier that best suits their needs.
This makes it possible to compare prices and conditions to find the most advantageous offers, which can result in lower rates. “In addition, the free energy market offers greater predictability in your expenses, since you can choose contracts with fixed or variable prices. This makes controlling and planning your budget much easier in the long term,” he explains.
all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please us by email: [email protected].
An answer
Dear friends, please note that the loads responsible for the increase in consumption and demand are air conditioning units, as seen in the expansion of data centers, and lighting, even with the development of high technology for these segments. But I reiterate once again that the solution for the free market is not the best, but rather the implementation of photovoltaic generation, whose price drop is almost geometrically increasing. The IRR is excellent, with no competition in financial market products. It is the financial power that makes exhaustive propaganda in the media. It deceives the consumer.