Aneel Partially Homologates LRCap, Approves 13 Thermoelectric Plants for 2026

Overview

• Aneel confirmed the 2026 product on Thursday by homologating ten natural-gas plants and three diesel-fired plants that can be dispatched from August.
• The LRCap auction contracted about 18.97 GW across nearly 100 projects and carries an estimated R$64.5 billion in near-term payments and roughly R$515.7 billion in consumer payments over the contracts’ life.
• The TCU's technical team recommended a partial suspension because it found increases in the price-teto and a risk of disadvantageous long-term contracts, and Minister Jorge Oliveira ordered Aneel to respond to those technical objections.
• The MPF has urged an immediate halt to homologations, federal courts have denied some emergency stays, and Abraenergias with state energy unions said they will file a mandado de segurança at the STJ to try to block further phases.
• The partial homologation meets a formal deadline but leaves implementation uncertain because final regulatory replies and court rulings could suspend, modify, or reverse further awards and affect future consumer bills.