Qualidade do serviço prestado pela Âmbar Energia S/A - Reunião Conjunta - 30/06/26

Qualidade do serviço prestado pela Âmbar Energia S/A - Reunião Conjunta - 30/06/26

Abertura da Audiência Pública sobre Fornecimento de Energia no Amazonas

Introdução e Contexto

  • A audiência pública é aberta para discutir o fornecimento de energia elétrica no estado do Amazonas, em conjunto com a Comissão de Minas e Energia.
  • Convocação da audiência foi feita conforme requerimentos das Comissões de Defesa do Consumidor e Minas e Energia, todos de autoria do deputado Fausto Júnior.

Expositores Presentes

  • Agradecimentos iniciais aos presentes; expositores convidados incluem Frederico de Araújo Teles (online), Davi do Nascimento Gonçalves (online), Giacomo Francisco Bássio Almeida (presencial), entre outros.
  • Participação remota da promotora Sheila Andrade dos Santos e Raquel Lima, chefe do Departamento Jurídico do Procon AM.

Importância da Audiência

  • Reforço na importância da participação dos convidados para debater um tema essencial: o fornecimento de energia elétrica à população.
  • Esclarecimento que a reunião está sendo gravada e transmitida ao vivo, permitindo interação online através de perguntas.

Critérios para a Audiência

Organização dos Trabalhos

  • Estabelecimento de regras: cada convidado terá 10 minutos para exposição; deputados poderão interpelar por 3 minutos.
  • Respostas dos interpelados terão duração de 3 minutos, com possibilidade de réplica e tréplica.

Exposição Inicial por Frederico de Araújo Teles

Situação Atual do Fornecimento no Amazonas

  • Frederico agradece pela oportunidade e destaca preocupações recorrentes sobre o fornecimento energético no estado.
  • O Ministério tem trabalhado junto à ANEL em medidas para melhorar a qualidade do serviço nos últimos anos.

Histórico das Concessões

  • Discussão sobre as dificuldades enfrentadas desde 2016/2017 devido à falta de uma concessão vigente pela Eletrobras.
  • Em 2018, houve uma licitação que resultou na troca da concessionária responsável pelo serviço em abril de 2019.

Desafios Enfrentados

  • A nova empresa assumiu com promessas de melhorias, mas enfrentou desafios significativos devido à complexidade da região amazônica.
  • Entre 2022 e início de 2023, constatou-se que a concessionária não tinha condições financeiras para realizar os investimentos necessários.

Medidas Tomadas pelo Ministério

Diagnóstico e Transferência Societária

  • Um diagnóstico publicado indicava que a concessionária não conseguiria atender às demandas energéticas adequadamente.
  • Explicação sobre instrumentos legais como caducidade que poderiam ser aplicados ao setor elétrico, mas ainda sem efetividade na distribuição.

Complexidade da Concessão

  • O processo envolveu questões jurídicas complicadas devido ao passivo financeiro associado à concessão anterior.
  • A troca efetiva do controle ocorreu apenas em abril de 2026 após várias tentativas anteriores.

Exposição por Davi do Nascimento Gonçalves

Papel do Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico (ONS)

  • Davi se apresenta como gerente executivo no ONS e inicia sua apresentação sobre o desempenho dos sistemas elétricos no Amazonas.

Overview of the Regulatory Framework for Energy in Brazil

Legal Structure and Operational Mandate

  • The regulatory framework began with an initial law, later amended by Law 10.848, and further regulated by a Presidential Decree.
  • The National System Operator (ONS) operates assets on behalf of agents but does not own any transmission, generation, or distribution assets.
  • ONS's mission is to ensure the supply of electricity across Brazil while balancing operational costs and security.

Regional Operations and Infrastructure

  • ONS has four regional offices located in Recife, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and Florianópolis, each housing operation centers that function 24/7.
  • It manages over 1,900 power plants and interacts with nearly 1,500 generation agents; it oversees more than 350 transmission concessions covering over 180,000 kilometers of lines.

Performance Metrics of Energy Systems

Availability of Power Plants

  • A graph illustrates the availability rates of power plants within the system compared to those in Amazonas; Amazonas plants show higher availability over time.

Transmission Line Performance

  • The performance metrics for transmission lines indicate that both 500kV and 230kV systems maintain high availability rates compared to national averages.
  • Overall performance is deemed satisfactory when comparing Amazonas' transmission lines against national standards.

Insights into Energy Distribution Responsibilities

Role Clarification between ONS and Local Distributors

  • Discussion highlights the distinction between energy generated in Tucuruí versus local production within Amazonas; questions arise about responsibility for energy classification.
  • Equipment classification determines whether it falls under ONS operations or local distributors; ONS monitors performance but does not own distribution assets.

Energy Supply Statistics

  • Approximately 45% to 55% of Manaus' energy consumption is supplied through interconnected systems managed by ONS depending on operational conditions.

Challenges in Isolated Energy Systems

Management of Isolated Power Plants

  • Concerns are raised regarding how many isolated power plants are under ONS supervision; only major dispatchable plants are included in their management scope.

Regulatory Oversight

  • ANEL has been actively monitoring isolated systems throughout Amazonas to ensure compliance and performance standards are met.

Overview of Energy Supply Issues in Amazonas

Historical Context and Control Transfer

  • The ANEL has engaged with all companies holding 81 assets to improve supply security and reliability, particularly focusing on maintenance issues.
  • In 2019, control of the Amazonas distribution company was transferred from Eletrobras to Entro-Oliveiras, with expectations for service improvement that have not materialized over seven years.

Current Challenges and Regulatory Actions

  • Despite initial hopes, service quality has deteriorated; technical problems are compounded by economic challenges leading to regulatory actions against distributors.
  • A financial notification was issued at the end of 2022 requiring distributors to resolve their economic issues or face potential cancellation of their licenses.

Transitioning Control and New Management

  • The transition of control was finalized in March this year with AMBAR Energia taking over responsibilities in Amazonas, marking a significant change in management.
  • Key contractual obligations were established for AMBAR Energia, including financial regularity and operational capacity within specified timeframes.

Action Plans for Improvement

  • AMBAR Energia is required to present an action plan aimed at enhancing operational performance and service quality within 120 days. This includes addressing non-technical losses and improving overall service delivery standards.
  • Regular meetings have been held between ANEL officials and AMBAR's leadership to ensure accountability regarding the action plan's implementation timeline.

Monitoring Progress and Future Goals

  • ANEL plans monthly inspections to monitor progress on infrastructure improvements, equipment installations, and customer service enhancements as part of the action plan's execution strategy.
  • The distributor aims for substantial improvements by 2031, indicating a long-term commitment to enhancing service reliability amidst ongoing challenges faced by consumers in Amazonas.

Recent Inspections and Findings

Field Inspections Conducted

  • Since March 2026, three field inspections have been conducted in Manaus focusing on equipment conditions across various substations critical for energy distribution efficiency.
  • Additional inspections are planned throughout the interior regions of Amazonas to assess infrastructure quality following recent events impacting local tourism areas like Parintins.

Infrastructure Development Delays

  • There are concerns about delayed infrastructure projects under previous management that hinder reliable energy supply; specific substations remain inactive due to lack of implementation by prior operators.

Performance Indicators Assessment

  • The current state shows that Amazonas has some of the worst continuity indicators (DECFEC), reflecting frequent interruptions affecting consumer experience negatively throughout the year.

Establishing Baselines for Improvement

  • ANEL is actively verifying current performance metrics as a baseline from which future improvements can be measured effectively against established benchmarks moving forward into subsequent evaluations.

2023 Energy Consumption Trends in Amazonas

Overview of DEC and FEC Indicators

  • The DEC (Duração Equivalente de Interrupção) shows the average duration of interruptions for consumers in Amazonas, with 2023 averaging 28 hours. This figure is lower in urban areas compared to rural ones.
  • By 2024, the DEC increased to 37 hours, reaching 41 hours by 2026, marking a significant rise in service interruptions. This is the highest among all 51 distributors in Brazil.
  • The FEC (Frequência de Interrupções) indicates that consumers experienced an average of 24 interruptions per year as of 2026, highlighting ongoing reliability issues.

Action Plans and Regulatory Oversight

  • A robust action plan is necessary to reduce these high interruption rates over short, medium, and long-term periods. The distribution concession is divided into 30 electric sets, each monitored for performance indicators like DEC and FEC.
  • Each set's performance varies based on urban versus rural settings; thus, tailored strategies are essential for effective management and improvement. Current values exceed regulatory limits significantly.
  • A detailed presentation was requested from the distributor outlining current and target DEC/FEC values through to 2031, along with specific maintenance actions required to achieve these goals.

Emergency Response Times

  • The TMAI (Tempo Médio de Atendimento Emergencial) measures response times for service disruptions; currently averaging around 8 hours from complaint to resolution, with a significant portion spent on preparation (7.5 hours).
  • Reducing this preparation time requires increasing field teams to expedite emergency responses effectively, which has been emphasized as a critical need by stakeholders involved in oversight discussions.

Challenges Faced by Consumers

Impact of Service Interruptions

  • Prolonged outages can lead to severe economic losses for businesses; for instance, small markets risk losing perishable goods during extended power cuts lasting up to eight hours or more. This situation poses significant challenges for local economies reliant on consistent energy supply.

Regulatory Changes and Public Engagement

  • Recent changes within ANEEL’s leadership have prompted discussions about improving oversight and accountability regarding energy distribution services amid ongoing issues with outages across various municipalities in Amazonas state. Stakeholders express hope that these changes will lead to better management practices moving forward.

Community Experiences

  • Specific incidents highlight systemic failures: communities such as Manicoré faced nearly a week without power due to inadequate maintenance practices by Amazonas Energia, illustrating the urgent need for improved infrastructure management and responsiveness from utility providers.

Future Directions for Energy Distribution

Transparency and Accountability Measures

  • There is a call for greater transparency regarding operational metrics like DEC and FEC so that consumers can stay informed about improvements or setbacks within their energy services—emphasizing public access to data related to service quality initiatives being undertaken by distributors like Amazonas Energia.

Industrial Growth Considerations

  • With over 200 industrial projects approved in Manaus awaiting reliable energy supply, addressing current deficiencies becomes crucial not only for consumer satisfaction but also for fostering economic development within the region.

Acknowledgment and Introduction of Key Speakers

Opening Remarks

  • The speaker expresses gratitude to Mr. Giacomo Almeida from Enel and mentions that the next steps will be outlined at the end of the public hearing.

Transition to IDEC's Coordinator

  • The floor is given to Mr. Lourenço Henrique Moreto, coordinator of the Energy and Sustainability Program at IDEC.

Overview of IDEC's Mission

IDEC's Background

  • Mr. Moreto introduces IDEC as a non-profit consumer organization focused on ethical consumption practices, celebrating nearly 40 years of advocacy.

Importance of Discussion

  • He thanks Deputy Fausto Júnior for the invitation and emphasizes the importance of discussing energy concessions across all service providers.

Current State of Energy Access in Brazil

Concerns About Quality and Access

  • Mr. Moreto highlights alarming issues regarding energy quality and access in Brazil, indicating a need for urgent attention.

Luz para Todos Program Insights

Overview of Luz para Todos

  • He explains that "Luz para Todos" is a universal access program divided into two parts: one for remote communities and another for rural connections.

Specific Challenges in Amazonas

  • Most unconnected households are in remote Amazonian communities, raising concerns about progress based on official data from the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Discrepancies in Commitment Fulfillment

Commitment vs. Reality

  • In 2024, only 291 out of 4,808 promised connections were made by Amazonas Energia; similar failures occurred in subsequent years with zero fulfillments reported.

Request for Updated Data

Need for Transparency

  • The speaker mentions awaiting updated official data from the Ministry regarding future connection plans after submitting a request under LAI (Access to Information Law).

Lack of Action Plans

Absence of Construction Plans

  • There is concern over missing construction plans from Amazonas Energia, suggesting no active projects are currently addressing these critical needs.

Call for Regulatory Action

Tariff Reduction Proposal

  • Mr. Moreto urges ANEL (National Electric Energy Agency) to impose tariff reductions due to unmet commitments by distributors affecting consumers unfairly.

High Tariffs Impacting Consumers

Economic Burden on Amazonas Residents

  • He notes that residents face high electricity tariffs compared to other regions, exacerbating financial strain on consumers in Amazonas.

Urgency in Addressing Access Issues

Essential Nature of Electricity

  • Emphasizes that access to electricity is essential; thus, meeting service goals should be treated as an emergency priority requiring immediate action.

Climate Considerations

Potential El Niño Effects

  • Discusses potential impacts from an intense El Niño event leading to drought conditions affecting energy supply logistics in Amazonia.

Contingency Planning Necessity

Need for Emergency Plans

  • Calls for distributors to develop contingency plans ensuring fuel supply continuity during crises impacting energy generation sources like thermoelectric plants.

Long-term Solutions Needed

Addressing Isolated Systems

Highlights challenges faced by isolated systems reliant on local supplies which increase costs due to logistical difficulties associated with diesel fuel delivery.

Interconnection Benefits

  • Advocates for interconnecting isolated systems where feasible as it could lower tariffs through reduced reliance on expensive fuels while improving overall service reliability.

Hybrid Solutions Exploration

  • Suggest exploring hybrid solutions where interconnection isn't viable; this would help reduce dependence on diesel amidst challenging logistics.

Discussing Energy Solutions in Northern Brazil

Hybridization of Energy Sources

  • The northern region has initiated hybridization projects, combining thermal generation with renewable sources like solar and wind, depending on regional viability.
  • Battery storage is also being explored as a viable solution for energy supply, emphasizing the need for cost-benefit analysis by organizations like EPE and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

Addressing Energy Affordability

  • High energy prices contribute to issues such as non-payment and energy theft, forcing individuals to resort to illegal means to access electricity.
  • The DECFEC issue raised concerns about frequent power interruptions in Amazonas, highlighting the inadequacy of current supply systems.

Infrastructure Challenges

  • Current energy supply does not meet the needs of many regions; maintenance responsibilities lie with distributors but are often neglected.
  • Local capacity-building initiatives for maintenance have not been effectively implemented, exacerbating service issues.

Importance of Legislative Engagement

  • The speaker expresses readiness to engage with legislators on energy supply discussions across Brazil.
  • Emphasizes that federal concessions require local legislative input for effective regulation and oversight.

Socioeconomic Factors Affecting Energy Access

  • Acknowledges high tariffs and significant losses due to energy theft, primarily driven by financial hardship among the population.
  • Many instances of theft stem from low-income conditions, necessitating more social justice investments in energy pricing.

Ensuring Reliable Access to Electricity

  • Advocates for fair pricing structures so that all citizens can maintain their electricity without fear of disconnection due to unpaid bills.

Insights from Roberto Bubol on Regional Energy Issues

Historical Context and Current Challenges

  • Bubol reflects on how earlier public hearings could have influenced better outcomes regarding Amazonas Energia's concession agreements.

Unique Characteristics of Amazonas' Energy Landscape

  • Describes Amazonas as a unique region with distinct challenges in generating electricity due to its geographical size and isolation.

Consumer Representation

  • Bubol represents consumer interests within Amazonas Energia’s council, stressing the importance of addressing commercial sector challenges during discussions.

Geographic Isolation Impacts

  • Highlights logistical difficulties in delivering fuel (like diesel), which complicates power generation efforts across remote areas.

Need for Improved Infrastructure Planning

  • Stresses that network expansion is crucial; current services operate at maximum capacity leading to high levels of unpaid bills (52% delinquency rate).

Discussing Energy Costs and Consumer Impact in Amazonas

High Energy Costs and Economic Strain

  • The speaker highlights the absurdity of receiving only 48% of generated energy, indicating a significant loss due to theft, defaults, and other issues.
  • Urgent action is needed as consumers cannot continue paying exorbitant rates for energy; questioning how any private company could sustain such losses.
  • Emphasizes the need for resolution regarding energy supply issues, not just with the current concessionaire but also concerning public lighting tariffs.

Public Lighting Tariffs

  • The municipality has one of the highest public lighting tariffs in Brazil, which is charged based on consumption without clear transparency.
  • Calls for better service from the new concessionaire to support city growth and meet community needs.

Legislative Concerns on Energy Pricing

  • Introduction of Deputy Mário César Filho who stresses the urgency surrounding electricity issues in Amazonas.
  • Asserts that energy costs are among the highest in Brazil, creating financial burdens for residents who struggle to pay essential bills.

Financial Burden on Families

  • Highlights that families can afford payments for motorcycles or housing but struggle with monthly energy bills reaching up to R$1,200.
  • Many low-income families are unaware of assistance programs available to help reduce their energy costs.

Debt and Consumer Rights

  • Stresses that human needs must be prioritized over corporate profits; many families face tough choices between paying bills or buying food.
  • Over 50% of Amazonas' population is reportedly indebted due to high electricity costs impacting their financial stability.

Inadequate Responses from Concessionaires

  • Questions how high energy prices can be justified when much of the population lives below the poverty line.
  • Critiques previous arguments from concessionaires about high rates being necessary due to consumer defaults; calls for proactive measures to lower prices.

Initiatives for Consumer Support

  • Introduces "Operação Limpa Nome," aimed at helping consumers resolve debts caused by utility companies; successful in assisting over 16,000 individuals despite limited resources.

Challenges with Current Management

  • Expresses concern over AMBA Energia's refusal to participate in debt renegotiations, indicating poor management practices from new leadership.

Urgency for Action

  • Reflecting on potential relief from a change in management at Amazonas Energia but expresses skepticism about AMBA's commitment based on initial actions observed during public hearings.

This structured summary captures key discussions around energy pricing challenges faced by consumers in Amazonas while providing timestamps linked directly to specific points made during the discourse.

Concerns Over Aerial Energy Meters in Amazonas

Public Sentiment and Legislative Action

  • The Commission of Consumer Defense received complaints from citizens regarding increased energy bills after the installation of aerial meters, with no reported cases of decreased costs.
  • Despite a local court's decision to prohibit these meters, the ruling was overturned in Brasília, allowing their installation to proceed. This has raised public concern.

Accountability and Transparency Issues

  • There is significant worry about AMBA Energia's lack of representation at the hearing, which raises questions about their commitment to consumer interests.
  • AMBA Energia claims to protect consumers from management failures but fails to demonstrate transparency by not attending the meeting. This inconsistency is troubling for stakeholders.

Consumer Investment and Program Clarity

  • The audience highlights a need for clarity on how AMBA Energia will utilize 0.5% of its net revenue for energy efficiency programs aimed at benefiting consumers directly.
  • Questions arise regarding past investments made by Amazonas Energia under similar programs, indicating a lack of communication with consumers about these initiatives.

Emergency Response and Regulatory Oversight

  • The speaker expresses frustration over perceived neglect from regulatory bodies like ANEL towards Amazonian consumers, suggesting that emergency measures are often necessary due to ongoing issues with energy supply and management practices.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

  • Reference is made to previous conflicts involving aerial meters where consumer rights were heavily contested, highlighting ongoing struggles between utility companies and residents over service quality and accountability.

Future Prospects for Energy Services in Amazonas

Hope Amidst Concern

  • While there was initial optimism surrounding the acquisition of the energy concessionaire, current sentiments reflect disappointment due to AMBA's apparent lack of commitment to addressing consumer needs effectively.

Service Quality Expectations

  • Emphasis is placed on the necessity for utility companies like AMBA Energia to prioritize human-centric service delivery rather than treating customers as mere numbers or statistics in their operations. Consumers expect respect and attention from service providers regardless of location or socioeconomic status.

Engagement with Community Initiatives

  • The speaker criticizes AMBA’s refusal to participate in community projects aimed at helping consumers restore creditworthiness, which could have broader economic implications if addressed properly through collaboration with local entities.

Legal Compliance Concerns

  • There are allegations against AMBA regarding illegal fines imposed on consumers without proper justification during debt renegotiation processes, raising serious ethical concerns about their business practices within Amazonas' market context.

Call for Corporate Responsibility

Demand for Representation

  • A strong call is made for representatives from both Ambar Energia and Amazonas Energia to attend public hearings as part of their corporate responsibility towards transparency and accountability in serving the population's needs effectively amidst ongoing challenges related to energy provision in Amazonas state.

Importance of Public Dialogue

  • It is emphasized that this public forum serves as an essential opportunity for companies like AMBA Energia to communicate their plans clearly while also addressing community concerns directly—an expectation that remains unmet thus far despite prior invitations extended months ahead of this meeting date.

Financial Viability Insights

  • Observations indicate that unlike previous operators who lacked financial capacity, AMBA appears well-capitalized based on recent reports showing substantial investment commitments; however, this potential must translate into tangible improvements in service delivery moving forward.

Discussing Energy Supply Issues in Amazonas

Introduction to the Hearing

  • The discussion begins with concerns about individuals advising others not to participate in the public hearing or respond to inquiries regarding energy supply issues.
  • There are political interests influencing these actions, particularly related to public relations within the energy sector during an election period.

Transparency and Accountability

  • Acknowledgment of Deputy Mário César's efforts for transparency in energy supply for the people of Amazonas is made.
  • Dr. Sheila Andrade dos Santos, a representative from the Public Ministry, expresses gratitude for being invited and emphasizes her long-standing commitment to consumer protection.

Role of the Public Ministry

  • Dr. Sheila highlights her extensive experience (16 years as a prosecutor and 33 years in total at the Public Ministry), emphasizing the importance of addressing energy supply issues.
  • The Public Ministry has initiated procedures following a blackout incident on April 2, 2025, indicating ongoing investigations into systemic failures.

Current Investigations and Findings

  • Recent diligence was ordered on June 9 to ensure that energy distributors provide evidence of corrective measures taken regarding service interruptions.
  • Awaiting reports from both national operators and regulatory agencies (ANEL) concerning penalties imposed for non-compliance with consumer protection laws.

Consumer Impact and Expectations

  • The population has been adversely affected by poor service delivery over many years, highlighting essential needs for reliable electricity supply.
  • There is hope that new management will improve services; however, collective efforts are necessary for effective change.

Ongoing Challenges and Future Actions

  • The Public Ministry remains committed to monitoring compliance and may take legal action if necessary; they have already initiated 21 procedures related to these issues.
  • Emphasis on continued dialogue through future meetings or hearings is encouraged to enhance accountability and transparency in energy provision.

Contributions from PROCON Amazonas

  • Dr. Raquel Lima from PROCON Amazonas takes over, expressing appreciation for data shared during discussions about consumer complaints related to energy services.
  • She acknowledges collaboration with other entities like Dr. Sheila’s office while noting recurring patterns of complaints against energy providers.

Historical Context of Service Failures

  • Annual reports indicate high complaint rates against energy companies; current indicators show worsening conditions even before peak demand seasons begin.
  • Specific instances such as service failures during significant local events (e.g., Festival de Parintins), highlight systemic inadequacies in service preparation.

Community Safety Concerns

  • Reports reveal severe consequences due to inadequate electrical infrastructure leading to accidents and fatalities within communities lacking proper installations.

Regulatory Challenges Ahead

  • While there is optimism about improved service under new management, historical patterns suggest persistent challenges remain unless proactive measures are implemented by both regulators and providers.

Concerns Over Energy Supply in Amazonas

Issues Faced by Maternity Hospitals

  • The maternity hospital Babilô Mestinho experienced a power outage, causing distress among health personnel due to the lack of ventilation for newborns.
  • There was an expectation that the maternity should be prioritized for energy restoration, but it was not included in the priority group. This led to significant delays in restoring power.

Call for Improvement and Accountability

  • There is a pressing need for the new company (NEO) to understand the unique challenges of providing services in Amazonas, given its vast geographical size compared to other states like Acre.
  • Stakeholders emphasize that any service provider must recognize risks and plan accordingly to ensure continuous and adequate service delivery across the state.

Commitment to Advocacy

  • Participants express gratitude for being part of discussions aimed at improving energy supply issues, highlighting their commitment to advocating for societal needs in Amazonas.

The Role of Public Defenders in Energy Issues

Introduction by Public Defender

  • Daniel Carnaúba from Senacom acknowledges the importance of addressing energy supply problems faced by vulnerable populations who cannot afford legal representation. He emphasizes that access to electricity is fundamental for dignity and development.

Historical Context of Energy Supply Problems

  • The Defensoria Pública has been involved with energy issues since 2009, addressing complaints about unfair charges and frequent outages affecting various municipalities over the years. Key events include:
  • Multiple blackouts reported in 2013 across Manaus and surrounding areas.
  • A significant price increase (40%) leading to public outcry in 2015 due to unjustified charges.

Recent Developments

  • In Humaitá, there were over 1,000 interruptions within a year, amounting to substantial hours without power—272 hours total—which could lead to significant financial penalties if legal actions are pursued successfully against providers like AMBA or PowerTech.

Expectations from New Management

Need for Genuine Change

  • There is skepticism regarding whether changes in management will lead to real improvements; stakeholders demand accountability beyond just rebranding efforts without substantive change in service quality or reliability. They seek measurable goals from energy providers moving forward.

Real-Life Impacts on Communities

  • Testimonies reveal severe impacts on education and healthcare due to unreliable electricity:
  • Teachers report that frequent outages disrupt learning environments significantly during classes, especially under high temperatures without proper facilities or resources available.
  • Medical procedures have been interrupted due to power failures during critical moments such as surgeries, raising serious concerns about patient safety and care quality.

Medical Intervention and Its Impact on Communities

The Consequences of Interrupted Medical Interventions

  • A medical intervention was interrupted, leading to significant emotional and psychological effects on individuals involved.

Communication Gaps Among Municipalities

  • There is a critical lack of interconnection and communication between municipalities, particularly affecting remote areas and communities.

Living Conditions in Peripheral Areas

  • Communities in the outskirts suffer from severe deprivations, including lack of electricity, highlighting systemic issues within municipal services.

Advocacy by the Defensoria do Amazonas

Findings from Humaitá

  • The Defensoria do Amazonas reported findings from Humaitá during a public hearing, emphasizing the need for actionable outcomes.

Key Requests Made by the Defensoria

  • The AMBA must present a detailed investment plan with timelines and performance indicators to improve service quality in Amazonas.
  • ANEL is requested to disclose monitored service quality indicators and regulatory consequences for non-compliance.
  • Strict application of consumer protection laws is necessary to ensure regular customers receive adequate service.
  • Establishment of an oversight mechanism for periodic accountability from AMBA is crucial for ongoing legislative scrutiny.

Commitment to Service Quality

Ongoing Accountability Efforts

  • A commitment was expressed towards ensuring accountability not only to officials but also to the population regarding service delivery in Amazonas.

Historical Context of Service Provision

  • Previous experiences as a state deputy included involvement in investigations into energy provision issues, indicating long-standing concerns about service quality.

Importance of Worker Representation

Voices from Workers' Unions

  • Hilton Albuquerque emphasized the importance of recognizing workers who are essential for delivering quality energy services in Amazonas.

Concerns Over Worker Treatment Post-Privatization

  • Workers feel neglected amidst discussions focused primarily on consumers; their role is vital for effective energy distribution.

Privatization Challenges

Historical Struggles Since 2017

  • There has been ongoing resistance against privatization efforts that have negatively impacted service reliability since 2017.

Impacts of Privatization on Employment

  • Over 2,000 workers were laid off due to privatization processes, resulting in loss of technical expertise crucial for maintaining energy systems.

Training and Safety Concerns

Risks Associated with Inexperienced Workforce

  • Current hiring practices prioritize cost over experience, raising safety concerns as inexperienced workers are placed in high-stakes roles without adequate training.

Recent Accidents Highlighting System Failures

  • An incident involving a fatality due to operational failures underscores the urgent need for improved training protocols within the workforce.

Future Directions for Energy Services

Need for Qualified Professionals

  • Emphasis on hiring qualified professionals capable of managing complex energy systems effectively; otherwise, existing problems will persist under new management structures.

Long-term Implications on Tariffs

  • Without skilled personnel ensuring high-quality services, there will likely be an increase in tariffs impacting consumers adversely.

Concerns Over Worker Roles and Energy Pricing in Amazonas

Misuse of Workers by Nortitec

  • Workers from Nortitec, a contractor for Amazonas Energia, are being assigned tasks outside their job descriptions, such as cleaning parts within the generation company. This is seen as a deviation from their roles that could affect final energy tariffs.

Accountability in Service Charges

  • Questions arise regarding whether the charges for services rendered by Nortitec are being accurately reflected in consumer energy bills. There is skepticism about the transparency of these costs.

Need for Regulatory Oversight

  • The presence of ANEL (National Electric Energy Agency) is deemed crucial in Amazonas to ensure effective monitoring due to the establishment of a private monopoly over energy distribution and generation.

Call for Inclusion of Technical Experts

  • Stakeholders urge that technical experts be included in discussions about Amazonas Energia's operations, emphasizing their knowledge of past issues with both Amazonas Energia and Eletrobras.

Impact on Workers and Consumers

  • The discussion highlights how workers, who are also consumers, face pressure to confront the public under threat of job loss. Their situation needs consideration in any reforms or changes made by new ownership at Amazonas Energia.

Addressing Worker Treatment and Public Perception

Sensitivity Towards Workers' Conditions

  • It’s important for decision-makers to consider the plight of workers who feel trapped under new management at Amazonas Energia. A call is made for dignified treatment towards both employees and consumers.

Challenges Faced by Employees

  • Employees often perform difficult tasks while representing Amazonas Energia, including disconnecting service from financially struggling customers without accountability for these actions.

Importance of Union Representation

  • The need for union representation at discussions is emphasized so that those directly affected can contribute meaningfully to debates about service delivery improvements.

Issues with AMBA Energy's Financial Commitments

Response from AMBA Energy

  • An official response was received from AMBA Energy addressing various inquiries but raises concerns about its authenticity and thoroughness given prior knowledge of questions posed during discussions.

Discrepancies in Financial Reporting

  • Notable discrepancies exist regarding financial commitments made by AMBA; they pledged an additional 3 billion reais beyond initial agreements which requires clarification on motivations behind this increase.

Understanding Debt Accumulation

Rising Debts Explained

  • AMBA claims there are 14 billion reais in debts associated with Amazonas Energia, raising questions about how much stems from energy theft versus legitimate supplier debts linked to Oliveira Energia, indicating potential conflicts of interest.

Future Investments and Planning

Investment Commitments

  • AMBA has committed to investing 2.3 billion reais between 2026 and 2028; however, details on where these investments will occur remain unclear—whether focused on urban or rural areas needs specification.

Regulatory Flexibility Concerns

Regulatory Adjustments

  • A proposed agreement suggests gradual reductions in regulatory flexibilities currently enjoyed by NEO (the regulatory body), raising concerns over operational standards that may impact consumer costs if performance indicators worsen.

Energy Supply Issues in Amazonas

Overview of the Energy Supply Problem

  • The speaker emphasizes that the current energy supply issue is not aimed at generating profit, but rather to resolve a critical problem affecting consumers. All costs will be borne by the company without passing them onto consumers.
  • A significant investment of 15 to 16 billion reais is questioned, as it implies an expectation of profit, which raises skepticism about the company's intentions. The speaker expresses disbelief regarding this narrative.
  • The situation is described as a "slap in the face" to the population, highlighting that elected officials are being held accountable for energy supply failures that affect citizens directly, such as power outages and loss of goods.

Public Hearing Insights

  • A public hearing was conducted to address these issues transparently, allowing various stakeholders to present information that many citizens may not have been aware of previously. Gratitude is expressed towards participants who contributed remotely.
  • The aim of gathering information during this hearing is to support future legal actions and investigations related to energy supply problems in Amazonas. This initiative seeks accountability from relevant authorities and companies involved in energy distribution.

Legislative Actions Proposed

  • Several legislative proposals are mentioned, including one addressing late payment penalties for electricity bills, where customers receive protest notices after just 15 days of delay—often leading to disproportionate financial burdens on low-income households.
  • It’s noted that consumers in Amazonas are reportedly paying some of the highest electricity rates in Brazil; this claim prompts a call for further discussion and verification among lawmakers and stakeholders involved.

Future Steps and Accountability

  • After parliamentary recess, there will be a request for AMBA Energia's representative to present their investment plan for upcoming years—a crucial step towards ensuring transparency and accountability regarding future actions taken by the company.
  • The speaker stresses that oversight should focus on public interest rather than individual companies' interests, reaffirming commitment to consumer protection within Amazonas’ energy sector despite previous resistance from companies against public hearings or scrutiny.

Commitment to Consumer Advocacy

  • An open invitation is extended for suggestions from experts and technicians regarding improvements needed in energy services; this reflects a willingness from lawmakers to engage with specialists for better outcomes for consumers.
  • Emphasis is placed on ensuring fair electricity billing practices while striving for quality service delivery—highlighting ongoing efforts toward developing effective solutions beneficial for both consumers and state development initiatives moving forward.
Video description

PARTICIPE! Debate interativo: https://www.camara.leg.br/evento-legislativo/81461 Reunião Conjunta - Comissões Minas e Energia e Defesa do Consumidor Tema: Qualidade do serviço prestado pela Âmbar Energia S/A Local: Anexo II, Plenário 14 Início: 30/06/2026 às 14:00 Pauta: Requerimentos nºs 24/2025 (CDC), 24/2025 (CME), 14/2026 (CDC) e 23/2026 (CDC), do Deputado Fausto Santos Jr.. CONVIDADOS: Rafael Vinheiro Monteiro Barbosa (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA) Defensor Público Geral do Estado do Amazonas Frederico de Araújo Teles (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA ONLINE) Diretor do Departamento de Políticas Setoriais da Secretaria Nacional de Energia Elétrica - MME David do Nascimento Gonçalves (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA ONLINE) Gerente Executivo de Apuração, Análise e Custos da Operação do Operador Nacional do Sistema Elétrico - ONS Giácomo Francisco Bassi Almeida (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA) Superintendente de Fiscalização Técnica dos Serviços de Energia Elétrica da Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica - Aneel Lourenço Henrique Moretto (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA) Coordenador do Programa de Energia e Sustenbilidade do Instituto de Defesa de Consumidores- IDEC Deputado Mário César Filho (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA) Presidente da Comissão de Defesa do Consumidor da Assembleia Legislativa do Estado do Amazonas Sheyla Andrade dos Santos (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA ONLINE) Promotora de Justiça do Ministério Público do Estado do Amazonas Raquel Lima (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA ONLINE) Chefe de Departamento Jurídico do Instituto de Defesa do Consumidor Procon/AM Daniel Carnaúba (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA ONLINE) Representante da Secretaria Nacional do Consumidor - Senacon Roberto Bulbol (PRESENÇA CONFIRMADA) Representante da Presidência da Federação do Comercio de Bens, Serviços e Turismo do Estado do Amazonas Participe do Debate Interativo no Portal da Câmara! Envie sua pergunta ou vote nas perguntas já feitas. As mais votadas têm chance de serem encaminhadas aos parlamentares e convidados durante o evento e poderão ser respondidas. Veja mais: https://www.camara.leg.br/evento-legislativo/81461