Energy cooperatives lead consumer satisfaction in Brazil

Energy distribution cooperatives have secured nine of the top ten positions in the 2025 Aneel consumer satisfaction ranking in Brazil. These organizations serve approximately 3.5 million people across six states, including Santa Catarina, Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Sergipe.

Operating primarily in rural areas, these cooperatives utilize a model where consumers act as owners, fostering transparency and operational efficiency. A key driver of their success is strategic investment in infrastructure, such as the construction of private substations. This allows them to connect directly to the National Interconnected System (SIN) and purchase energy on the free market, reducing dependence on large traditional concessionaires.

These investments have led to significant tariff reductions. For example, some cooperatives reported average tariff cuts between 39% and 47% following recent regulatory reviews. In some instances, infrastructure improvements allowed costs to drop from R$ 300 to approximately R$ 95 per megawatt-hour, with savings being passed directly to members through lower electricity bills.