Recent changes in brazilian electricity demand and its effects on load level definition

摘要

Prices of electrical energy depend on demand levels. Demand levels are defined by ONS and play an important role in Brazilian energy market spot market prices, they influence electric tariffs for regulated market. Demand levels are established according to load steps of National Interconnected System. These load steps have changed its daily patterns during the last 20 years and, for that reason, premises for demand levels definition should be reviewed. Therefore, this article proposes an analysis of the underlying premises for the definition of demand levels in Brazilian Electricity Market, specifically the ones related to time, seasonality and geography. The negligence of the new characteristics of the national grid demand implies its misrepresentation by demand levels and consequently, the loss of one of its main purposes, to stimulate reduction in energy consume when demand increases. As contribution, new underlying premises are suggested in order to load steps fit demand in a better manner.