A more transparent relationship between energy distributors and consumers. This is the background of Bill 1.569/2019, approved by the Mines and Energy Committee this Wednesday (4), after more than five years shelved in the Chamber of Deputies.
The proposal foresees that concessionaires specify in electricity bills the amount corresponding to losses caused by tampering with meters and illegal connections, popularly known as energy “gatos”.
Currently, legislation allows these losses to be shared between companies and consumers, forming part of the calculation of the electricity tariff, but without specific details.
Electricity bills only show sector charges, taxes and monthly consumption, leaving losses from energy theft outside the consumer's knowledge.
Losses in the electricity sector
Data from ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) reveal that, in 2023, the loss rate in the electricity sector due to “energy charges” reached 14,1%, equivalent to 80 TWh.
Of this total, 7,4% corresponded to technical losses (system inefficiencies) and 6,7% to non-technical losses, which include fraud and theft.
In total, non-technical losses represented a loss of R$6,9 billion last year, considering the average energy price.
Companies such as Amazonas Energia (13,4%), Light (10,5%) and CEA Equatorial (8,2%) recorded the highest rates of this type of loss in the period.
Impact on consumers
According to the project's rapporteur, congressman Joaquim arinho (PL-PA), losses in the distribution sector have a direct impact on regular consumers, who end up bearing part of the costs of tariff fraud.
“Those who commit fraud or steal energy harm other consumers. Furthermore, these losses reduce the revenues of distributors, which limits the ability of these companies to invest in improving distribution networks,” said arinho.
The parliamentarian highlighted that the proposal aims to increase transparency and raise awareness among consumers about the impacts of energy theft, helping to mitigate losses.
Next Steps
The Mines and Energy Committee is the second collegiate body to approve the project, originally presented by deputy Aureo Ribeiro (Solidariedade-RJ) in 2019. Previously, the proposal had already been approved by the Consumer Defense Committee.
The next step will be analysis by the Constitution and Justice and Citizenship Committee. If approved, the matter will be submitted for evaluation by the Senate, moving closer to its possible sanction.
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