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Energy & Grid Management
Rafael Herzberg
Rafael Herzberg
Expert Member
Top Contributor
·Posted in Energy & Grid Management
Tue, Feb 25

Electric power (Brazil): confusing signals

Electric power (Brazil): confusing signals

The CCEE (Electric Energy Trading Chamber - the Brazilian power clearinghouse) publishes the hourly prices of the PLD (price for settlement of differences) daily, better known in market jargon as "spot".

The ONS (National System Operator - the independent system operator) publishes the hourly demand curve.

The "normal" expectation would be: during peak hours (when the system has the highest demand of the day), the "spot" prices would be the highest of the day. Of course, because it is a question of supply and demand. And conversely, during off-peak hours, the "spot" would be lower.

But for those who access the CCEE, they will see that, today, for example (February 25, 2025), when the ONS is indicating maximum demand, in the early afternoon, the "spot" price is at its lowest. The same practically as during the early morning hours when national demand is at its lowest.

 This situation shows an inconsistency. There is something essentially outside of the technical coherence. Peak is when the system has the highest physical demand. Off-peak, it is lowest. Prices should reflect this "definition" so that the market can make decisions on how to best allocate energy use (when it is cheaper).

As it stands, consumption is encouraged during actual peak hours, which ultimately makes it more expensive for everyone! This is an invitation for our leaders- I refer to the Brazilian electricity sector - to face this situation and take the necessary measures. In this sense, I am open to consult and "turn around this mess".