With the collaboration of Henrique Hein
In a public hearing held this Tuesday (6) at the Economic Development Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, Fernando Silva, executive manager of Electrical Planning at ONS (National Electric System Operator) stated that “reverse flow in itself is not a systemic problem”.
However, he highlighted that – despite not representing an immediate risk to the electrical system – the accelerated growth of DG (distributed generation) and the consequent reverse flow require greater operational flexibility.
According to him, this last point deserves attention as it can result in overloading of transmission infrastructures, especially in border and low-voltage networks.
The public hearing held aimed to discuss flow reversal and the growing presence of DG (distributed generation) in the national electrical system. The meeting was called by the deputy Lafayette de Andrada (Republicans-MG), who currently chairs the committee of the Chamber of Deputies.
The hearing, in addition to representatives from ONS (National Electric System Operator), also brought together directors from ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency), the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy) and associations from the electricity sector and the private sector.
Key figures from the sector participated in the hearing, including:
- Frederico Teles, director of the MME sectoral policies department;
- Pedro Lombardi, manager of ANEEL;
- Fernando Silva, from ONS (by videoconference);
- Marcos Madureira, president of Abradee;
- Carlos Evangelista, president of ABGD;
- Barbara Rubim, vice president of ABSOLAR;
- Heber Galarce, from INEL;
- Hewerton Martins, from the Free Solar Movement.
How did the hearing begin?
At the opening of the hearing, Lafayette highlighted that Law 14.300, which established the creation of the legal framework for GD in the country, was fundamental for the growth of the sector.
“Since this law, there has been a huge growth in DG in the country, especially solar DG, which was the intention of the legislation: to encourage DG, as we understand that it is a cheap energy, easy to install and that Brazil, being the country of the sun, should promote solar energy”, he said.
The deputy also highlighted that, after the enactment of Law 14.300, Resolution 1.000 of the ANEEL began to regulate the standard, obliging distributors to carry out studies on the systemic impacts of DG.
However, the deputy criticized the attitude of the distributors after this episode. “Unfortunately, the distributors began to show ill will towards DG. Many of them began to create difficulties for distributed generation, which became a widespread complaint throughout the country, with connection difficulties,” he highlighted.
“I that Cemig became the leader in complaints and even sent letters to s saying that they needed to listen to the ONS, but the ONS has nothing to do with 1 kWp projects. This shows absolute ill will,” said Lafayette.
The committee chairman also cited Resolution 1.059 of the ANEEL, which modified the 1.000 in 2023 and brought to light the concept of reverse flow.
“A ANEEL created the figure of reverse flow, saying that it would be the possible cause of distributors denying the connection request. I called this 'regulatory delirium'”, added Lafayette, demonstrating his concern with the recent regulatory changes.
How did you position yourself? ANEEL and the MME?
From an institutional point of view, the ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) reiterated that it is closely monitoring the issue of reverse flow, but avoided taking definitive positions.
During his speech, Pedro Lombardi, manager of the entity, highlighted that discussions about the inversion of flow go beyond technical issues, also involving market aspects and tariff justice.
Lombardi stressed that the issue of reverse flow is far from simple and involves significant technical problems, such as voltage issues, which can not only damage equipment but also compromise the operation of the electrical system.
Furthermore, he warned of market challenges that need to be considered. “If distributed generation reaches a point where it is capable of meeting the distributors’ own load, what will be done with the contracts that were signed at auctions?”, Lombardi asked, highlighting the economic and regulatory implications of the growth of DG in Brazil.
Frederico Teles, director of the MME's sectoral policies department, said that the Ministry is aware of the issue and is studying more in-depth ways of resolving the situation with the ANEEL and distributors.
“We need to stop and think about this issue. We have to reflect and see what we can do, whether through law, decree or perhaps through some ordinance or resolution,” he said.
The director also assured that the ministry understands that investments in DG are important and that the Ministry “does not underestimate and does not understand that in any way any request presented by you (DG sector) is lesser (than others)”, he said.
The executive also said that Pasta always saw that the ANEEL It was the best gateway for the solar sector to discuss topics they considered important.
However, he hinted that perhaps this relationship needs to be improved, as the ministry has begun to receive requests from some photovoltaic entrepreneurs with complaints related to flow inversion.
“We are trying to resolve this together with the ANEEL and with distributors (the problem of flow inversion”, he stated.
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