Aneel authorizes distribution rate hikes

Brazilian power regulator Aneel has authorized power rate increases for four distributors effective August 7, the regulator said in a statement. Aneel authorized Escelsa to increase rates by 9.44% for low voltage systems and an average of 11.1% for high voltage distribution. Celpa was authorized to raise rates by 3.52% for low voltage systems and 4.24% for high voltage networks. The regulator cleared a 6.92% increase for Celesc's low voltage system and a 6.99% hike for its high voltage network. Aneel also authorized Iguaçú to increase low voltage rates by 0.61% and high voltage ones by 3.44%. The adjustments were authorized to reflect the exchange rate, inflation and tax variations related to the government's Proinfa power development plan, Aneel said.