The company decided to adopt the measure due to the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic and it will be valid for a period of 90 days
This Tuesday (24) the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) decided to suspend cuts in the supply of electricity caused by lack of payment by consumers.
This decision will be valid for 90 days and may be subject to change. The decision was made due to the current economic situation caused by the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The suspension measure is valid for all urban and rural residences, as well as for services considered essential, such as hospitals and places used for treating the population.
Director Sandoval Feitosa, the rapporteur for the case, emphasized that the ruling does not exempt consumers from paying. But it is a way for people who are unable to pay at the moment to continue receiving electricity.
“I urge all Brazilians who can pay their bills on time to do so. This will allow us to support those who cannot pay their energy bills,” said Sandoval.
In his vote, the director added that having electricity is essential for Brazilians to stay in their homes. The process was voted on in an extraordinary meeting.
Resolution measures
Other measures in the resolution issued by Aneel include: suspension of the monthly delivery of printed invoices; personal delivery of invoices; suspension of in-person customer service; as well as the suspension of the deregistration of families from the social tariff. And the preparation of specific contingency plans to serve hospitals and places used for treating the population.
According to the Agency, of the total revenue of energy distributors, 47.5% comes from residential consumers and the current level of default is 5%.
“If the measures to prohibit the suspension of supply result in an increase in default, the Regulatory Body will certainly have to adopt alternative measures to guarantee the sustainability of the electricity sector”, Aneel announced.