German-Brazilian Energy Partnership promoted debate on the impacts of the pandemic on the electricity sector

On May 28, the German-Brazilian Energy Partnership held a digital meeting between representatives of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi). Information was exchanged on the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic on the electricity sector in both countries and the response measures taken by governments. 

The initiative aimed to promote mutual learning about effective measures to circumvent the crisis, since several of the impacts on the sector are similar in both countries, particularly those caused by social isolation and reduced industrial and commercial activities. Topics such as reduced electricity consumption, changes in load during the day and high defaults on payments, particularly affecting distributors, were also addressed. It became evident that the measures at this time have a short-term perspective, to respond to the immediate crisis. 

On the other hand, the representatives of the MME and BMWi agreed that, in a short time, it will be necessary to develop economic recovery packages with a medium and long term perspective. Discussions on how to design these packages are ongoing in both countries.