Minister defends summer time and rules out energy rationing

This Friday (17), the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre da Silveira, defended the return of summer time and ruled out energy rationing until the end of this year.

The fear of shortages arises from the increase in energy demand caused by the heat wave that has hit some states.

For Silveira, summer time should be seen not only from an energy perspective, but also for its impact on the economy.

“There is an economic boost in some sectors. So, I have been advocating with the MDIC (Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services), the Economy, that we can look at summer time in a more holistic, broader way. It is important for Brazil, even if we have a moment of energy security like today, when it (the change in clocks) has a positive impact on the economy. I have held repeated meetings so that, even if there is no energy need, the government can evaluate the possibility of stimulating the economy with the possibility of summer time”, said the minister during an interview with the Em Ponto program, on Globonews.

When talking about the impacts of the heat wave on the energy sector, Silveira said that the historic drought that has hit the Amazon region is decreasing in intensity and that, in the rest of the country, the electricity sector’s reservoirs are operating at comfortable levels.

“We reached the end of the year keeping our reservoirs full, so we have no risk of rationing or lack of energy”, guaranteed the minister.

Silveira also informed that the government intends to auction thermal energy to reinforce the National Interconnected System (SIN). According to the minister, the objective is to have a reserve of thermoelectric plants to guarantee service in 2024.

“We are in the planning phase to hold auctions to reserve thermal capacity at the peak, so that, next year, we enter with this energy peace of mind from a load point of view, but also with security at the peak”, said Silveira .

Last week, the National Interconnected System (SIN) reached the level of 100,955 megawatts (MW), a record in instantaneous load demand.

The record energy consumption was attributed to the new heat wave that mainly affects the Southeast and Central-West regions of the country. Meteorological data showed an average high of at least 5ºC for a period of five days in these regions.

“Brazil is experiencing a very auspicious moment in terms of energy generation. We need reserve or firm energy, which comes from our hydroelectric and thermal plants. Mainly the thermal plants, which serve at the peak, which is why we worked hard this year to achieve this balance of energy security and reasonable tariffs”, added Silveira.