CMSE foresees additional use of thermoelectric plants if weather worsens

At a meeting of the CMSE (Electricity Sector Monitoring Committee) this Wednesday (1st), the ONS (National Electrical System Operator) indicated that there may be complementary use of thermoelectric plants in scenarios of greater demand and adverse weather conditions. The measure must be combined with the optimized operation of the hydroelectric plants on the São Francisco River and the strategic use of the Itaipu reservoir.

The assessment takes place amid the high probability of El Niño occurring in the second half of 2026. According to the CMSE, projections of strong or very strong intensity for the phenomenon predominate.

The dispatch of thermoelectric plants has already been occurring gradually. Aneel (National Electric Energy Agency) maintained the yellow tariff flag for July precisely due to the activation of these higher-cost plants.

As a result, the electricity bill of electricity consumers continues to increase by R$ 1,885 for every hundred kilowatt-hours consumed.

Despite this scenario, the panel stated that the country's electricity supply is assured in 2026.

The committee cited the recovery of reservoirs, especially in the South Region, especially in the Iguaçu River basin, following an improvement in hydrometeorological conditions in June.

At the end of last month, SIN (National Interconnected System) storage was at approximately 71%. The levels, considered satisfactory, were 66% in the Southeast and Central-West, 63% in the South, 89% in the Northeast and 95% in the North.

*Under the supervision of Robson Rodrigues

Source: CNN