Brazil's ANEEL amends distribution rules for Group A market opening

Brazil's National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) issued Normative Resolution No. 1,174, signed Oct. 27 and published in the Diário Oficial da União on Nov. 4, 2026, amending distribution rules in light of the market opening for Group A consumers.

The resolution amends Normative Resolution No. 1,000 of Dec. 7, 2021. It sets procedures for potentially free consumers who meet the requirements to buy power in the free contracting environment (ACL) and choose to buy it from another supplier.

Under the regular modality, migration takes place in the month after a 90-day period for subgroup AS or A4 units that qualify for the simplified retail model, or 180 days for all others, with no charge for ending the regulated energy contract (CCER), according to the resolution.

A distributor has up to five business days from receiving a migration request to verify the technical requirements and approve or reject it. It may reject a request only for listed reasons, such as debts at the consumer unit being migrated.

When consumers exercise the option to buy power from another supplier, the resolution bars distributors from promoting co-branded services of, sharing staff or infrastructure with, or favouring energy traders in their own economic group. It also states that tariff benefits granted in the regulated environment (ACR), including the Social Electricity Tariff (TSEE), do not apply in the ACL.

The resolution took effect on publication, with some provisions taking effect in 90 or 180 days. The resolution sets deadlines of up to 180 days or 12 months from publication to adapt to the changes, depending on the provision. Retail representatives have six months to implement new dispute-resolution rules.

A working group on simplifying electricity bills must hold its first meeting within 60 days and present a proposal within one year. The resolution was signed by Director-General Sandoval de Araújo Feitosa Neto under Process No. 48500.900503/2024-56.