What is peak and off-peak?

What is peak and off-peak?

This question has become important in Brazil, because there are apparently doubts about "what it is all about".

Peak and off-peak are the times of day when the demand for electricity is higher or lower, respectively. Energy is more expensive during peak hours and cheaper during off-peak hours. It's that simple.

But what is happening, and quite some time, is that peak and off-peak hours have changed, as shown by the national integrated system's hourly load curve.

But off-peak rates are now applied during peak hours! It is unbelievable that the electricity sector, permeated by agents (power regulator, independent system operator, ministry of energy, power clearinghouse, etc., etc.) that are supposedly responsible for keeping the electricity sector organised is ignoring the facts.

In other words, there is a regulatory mess. The most damaging consequence is the increase in costs for everyone.

What could be the reason for this absurdity: lack of competence, sheer carelessness, lack of concern, or something else?