A tarifação da energia elétrica em ambiente econômico desregulado e competitivo: alguns princípios e reflexões

Abstract

This paper intends to make a relationship, in a concise way, among some relevant characteristics of the electricity industry, after it has reached a mature technological stage. It also discusses the new tariff regulations, which turned out to be at the core of Government intervention in the sector, following the first phase of that industry, when it was structured as large scale national public monopolies. Indeed, the end of scale economies in the generation segment determined a new phase for the industry, in which competitiveness as well as vertical de-integration conformed its behaviour. The projection of that phenomenon to a regulatory level, which is now fundamentally directed towards the transmission and distribution segments, was produced by the incorporation of some innovative elements. Behind those elements was the intention of controlling the firms' behaviour by means of the fulfilment of obligations, which may impose penalties but may provide incentives as well. The basic idea is to minimise Government intervention, not only in the firms' production, function, but also in its cost structure and investment goals.