Abrace Energia claims gas tariff cuts of 25% possible via new methodology

Abrace Energia, the Brazilian Association of Large Energy and Free Consumers, estimates that adopting the Recovered Capital Method (RCM) could reduce natural gas transportation tariffs by approximately 25%. The association calculates that the economic difference between the RCM and the methodology defended by transport companies could reach R$ 1.3 billion annually.

The dispute involves a legal challenge by ATGás against the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) regarding Resolution 991/2026. ATGás has sought to remove the RCM from the calculation of the Regulatory Asset Base (BRA), arguing the method is “unknown and without precedent” in gas transport regulation.

Abrace Energia maintains that the RCM is a technical necessity to ensure that investments already remunerated under previous contracts are not included in the base for future tariff calculations. The association stated that while they do not contest the right of transporters to adequate remuneration for unrecovered investments, the goal must be to balance investment returns with tariff affordability to improve gas competitiveness and support reindustrialization.