The wider picture
Roraima, a state in Brazil, has historically struggled with a fragile electricity supply characterized by frequent blackouts and interruptions. This situation changed in September 2025 when Roraima was connected to Brazil’s national grid, a development that was expected to enhance the reliability of electricity supply in the region. However, this connection has also led to unexpected challenges for consumers.
Since the interconnection, consumers in Roraima have reported a staggering 24% increase in their electricity bills. For instance, the electric bill for December 2024 reached R$2000.00, a significant jump from R$956.00 the month prior. This surge in costs has raised concerns among residents and prompted an investigation into the National Grid to understand the reasons behind these high electric bills.
Before the connection to the national grid, Roraima experienced 243 disturbances with load shedding from January 1 to September 10, 2025. In contrast, after the connection, there were only 23 disturbances with load shedding recorded from September 11, 2025, to February 28, 2026, none of which resulted in outages. This improvement in service reliability was one of the key benefits anticipated from the interconnection.
Despite the reduction in outages, the increase in electricity costs has led to dissatisfaction among consumers. Cathy Ward, a local resident, expressed her frustration, stating, “I think it might be time to have National Grid come to Nantucket and explain why there are so many high bills.” This sentiment reflects a growing demand for accountability from the National Grid regarding the unexpected rise in tariffs.
In addition to the rising bills, the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) approved a 24.12% increase in electricity tariffs, further compounding the financial burden on consumers. Observers note that without the interconnection to the national grid, tariffs could have risen by an estimated 17.6%. While the interconnection has made electricity purchases cheaper overall, the immediate impact on consumers’ bills has been alarming.
Maria Conceição de Sant’Ana Barros Escobar, an energy expert, commented on the situation, stating, “Energy security should not come with a tariff shock of this magnitude.” This highlights the delicate balance between ensuring reliable energy supply and managing costs for consumers.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact reasons for the high electric bills reported by customers. Additionally, the future of electricity imports from Venezuela, which has historically been a source of power for Roraima, remains under review and uncertain. As the investigation into the National Grid progresses, residents and officials alike are keenly awaiting clarity on these pressing issues.
As the situation develops, it is anticipated that further discussions will take place between the National Grid and local authorities to address the concerns raised by consumers. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for energy policy and consumer protection in Roraima and beyond.