Today, Friday (28), the National Electric Power Agency announced its move from the first level of the red flag to the yellow flag. In practice, the surcharge on the electricity bill decreases from R$4.46 per 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed to R$1,885.
According to the regulatory body, the expectation of greater rainfall in December compared to the previous month in most parts of the country allowed for the change. However, forecasts indicate rainfall below the historical average for this month of the year.
“Due to slightly more favorable power generation conditions, it was possible to change from Red Flag Level 1 to Yellow. Therefore, revitalization of thermal power plants is still necessary to meet demand,” Anil says in a note.
Fossil-based electricity acts as a supplement during times of highest consumption and at night, when solar generation stops.
In the current scenario, there is a surplus of renewable energy at certain parts of the day, as the agency mandates cutting off part of the solar energy supply, and a shortage at other times.
In September and October, red-flag electricity bill prices put pressure on inflation, despite lower food prices.
Understand more about tariff flags
- Green flag: Favorable conditions for power generation. The fare is not subject to any increase
- Yellow flag: Less favorable generating conditions. The tariff increases by R$0.01885 per kilowatt-hour consumed
- Red Flag – Level 1:More expensive generating conditions. The tariff increases by R$0.04463 per kilowatt-hour consumed
- Red Flag – Level 2:More expensive generating conditions. The tariff increases by R$0.07877 per kilowatt-hour consumed