Brazil is preparing a significant change in the operation of distributed generation. ANEEL has launched Public Consultation 033/2026 to update connection rules and give distributors greater capacity to monitor, coordinate, and, when necessary, limit the operation of resources connected to their networks.
The proposal modifies Module 3 of the Electrical Energy Distribution Procedures (PRODIST) and replaces the purely technological approach with one focused on the so-called Distributed Energy Resources (RED) .
In practice, the concept includes not only solar generation, but also storage systems, electric vehicles capable of injecting energy into the grid, flexible charging, hydrogen electrolyzers, and microgrids .
The change aims to enable distributors to know more precisely what is happening in their networks, communicate with connected resources, and coordinate their operation when operational needs arise.
Eso incluye la posibilidad de establecer límites a la potencia inyectada , bajo una lógica similar a la que ya existe en transmisión, donde el Operador Nacional del Sistema Eléctrico puede ordenar recortes a grandes parques eólicos y solares.
The proposal does not aim, at least in this first phase, to extend that level of control over the millions of small solar systems installed in homes.
The initial focus is on larger-scale resources connected to distribution networks. According to the information presented, this universe comprises approximately 70,000 installations totaling more than 33 GW .
Within that total there are approximately 1500 facilities classified as type III distributed generation , including small hydroelectric and biomass thermal plants, in addition to some 68,000 minigeneration units , which together exceed 13 GW.
The problem that ANEEL seeks to solve is associated with the rapid growth of resources that are not directly manageable by the ONS.
As the share of distributed generation, especially solar, increases, the difference between the energy that the operator observes in the system and the actual production behind the distribution networks becomes increasingly relevant for coordinating generation and demand.
The reform therefore establishes requirements related to monitoring, communication, response to commands, protection, power quality and power control .
It also allows for differentiating requirements according to the size and impact of each installation, without forcing the use of specific brands or technologies.
Batteries and electric vehicles are included in the new scheme
One of the most relevant changes is that regulation no longer focuses solely on generation.
ANEEL seeks to prepare the networks for resources capable of both injecting and absorbing electricity , something that is becoming increasingly common with the incorporation of storage and electric mobility.
A battery, for example, can charge at certain times and then return energy. An electric vehicle with bidirectional charging capability can perform a similar function, while certain loads can modify their consumption according to grid conditions.
The new scheme aims to ensure that these capabilities can be observed and coordinated within the distribution operation.
La propuesta introduce así conceptos de observabilidad, operabilidad y controlabilidad , con el objetivo de que las distribuidoras cuenten con más información y herramientas para gestionar un sistema donde la electricidad ya no circula únicamente desde las grandes centrales hacia los consumidores.
The proposal also opens the door to greater integration of microgrids and intelligent energy management systems, always under security and quality of supply requirements.
The initiative was developed from work by ONS, ANEEL and specialists from the federal universities of Santa Maria and Uberlândia and the State University of Western Paraná.
Public Consultation 033/2026 will remain open for 60 days, between September 10 and November 9 , to receive input from consumers, distributors, manufacturers, universities and other stakeholders in the sector.
With the reform, Brazil seeks to move from an essentially passive distribution network to one capable of seeing and managing a growing part of locally connected generation, storage, and flexible demand .