Eduardo Capelastegui, CEO of Neoenergia
Ongoing commitment to creating value
With consistent results, Neoenergia closed the third quarter with advances that boost its growth trajectory. The 6.2% increase in distributed energy highlights operational efficiency and the ability to meet growing demand with quality
.The company's CEO, Eduardo Capelastegui, spoke again with the Neoenergia website and detailed business developments. More than financial and operating results, the quarter reinforces the importance of accurate decisions and an aligned team. According to him, “the ability to transform challenges into opportunities, maintaining the balance between growth and disciplined cost management, is what brought us here. And that remains.”
Neoenergia has just released its financial and operating results for the third quarter. What are the main highlights of the period?
We consolidated our growth with important advances on several fronts. Distributed energy increased 6.2%, driven by market growth and the reduction in losses, reflecting a more efficient operation. We maintained our cost discipline, with OPEX growing 3%, in line with inflation.
During broadcasting, we completed strategic works that expanded our capacity to meet growing demand. The anticipation of the Termopernambuco contract guaranteed more flexibility and security in the energy supply.
These results show how we are expanding infrastructure and improving the quality of the energy we deliver to our customers, with a focus on
There was an increase in cash EBITDA from distributors in 3Q24. What underpinned this growth and how does it connect to the company's long-term vision
?The cash EBITDA of our distributors reached R$ 2.1 billion in the third quarter, an increase of 4%. We can attribute this to market expansion and operational efficiency, which offset negative tariff adjustments in some regions. But above all, it is worth highlighting the sustainability of our results, which grow at the same time that we deliver a quality service.
We continue to invest in our five distributors to sustain organic growth and ensure quality service for our customers.
Neoenergia registered significant growth in the number of customers in the third quarter of this year. What were the main factors that contributed to this result achieved?
Our customer base reached approximately 17 million, an increase of 302 thousand consumers compared to last year, up 2%.
I would say that this advance was possible thanks to our investments that supported, with quality, the growth of our concession areas.
We allocated R$ 3.7 billion this year to improve the quality of supply at our five utilities, ensuring that our customers have more stable and reliable energy.
During 3Q24, Neoenergia achieved 100% shareholding in Neoenergia Cosern. What is the importance of this achievement for the company?
The Public Takeover Offer of Neoenergia Cosern strengthens our presence in the distribution market, consolidating our position in the sector. This movement simplifies the company's shareholder structure and confirms our good capital allocation by investing in an asset that we know and that is profitable
.Neoenergia is focused on continuous improvement in supply quality. What has the company done?
Ensuring a reliable energy supply is a priority. We have maintained service quality indicators at optimal levels. Two of these, the DEC, which measures how long customers are without power throughout the year, and the FEC, which monitors the frequency of these interruptions, remain below regulatory limits and with advances in
framing the vision by groups.All of this reflects an ongoing effort to intensify network infrastructure, in addition to the use of technologies that help us detect problems quickly, before they impact customers. With this more intelligent approach to network management, we are able to offer a more stable and efficient service
.The combination of these investments and technology ensures that our nearly 17 million customers have an increasingly secure and quality energy supply.
We are approaching the rainy season in several regions of Brazil. What are the actions to guarantee the quality of the supply during the period of high demand?
As I mentioned before, reliable energy supply is a priority. Several preventive actions are planned until March 2025, and include operational contingency and service measures, especially in adverse weather situations. The Summer Plan is a significant effort to ensure that our customers have a continuous supply of energy, even as demand increases in the summer period.
We are investing in prevention actions, from communicating with customers through different channels, as well as the maintenance of networks and substations, to the use of technologies such as thermovision cameras to identify problems before they affect supply. Also included in the initiatives are the expansion of operational teams, with the capacity to triple the number of professionals in the field in case of
emergencies.This isn't a job that started just now. Since 2017, we have started a major training plan for electricians. Over the years, more than six thousand electricians have been incorporated into our teams, ensuring a workforce that is properly trained and qualified for the most diverse situations in all
our concession areas.
During 3Q24, Neoenergia launched the Virtual Agency in a new format to offer a better experience for customers. Can you tell me a bit about the tool?
Facilitating our clients' access to Neoenergia services is our goal with the Virtual Agency. Available 24 hours a day, the platform allows consumers to consult their invoices, make payments by PIX or credit card, and request various services, all in a simple and
fast way.This new channel, which works 24 hours a day, brings more convenience and allows you to resolve everything without having to leave your home. Initially, it is available to our distributors in the
Northeast.Anticipating the renewal of concessions is a strategic issue that is on the sector's agenda. How is Neoenergia preparing for this moment?
Anticipating the renewal of concessions will be an opportunity for Neoenergia to strengthen its position in the sector. Our commitment is to provide reliable energy that keeps up with the increase in demand and promotes the social and economic development of Brazil, ensuring due return to shareholders
.We fully comply with our obligations and are confident in the renewal process, respecting the government's role in suggesting continuous developments. Each challenge is a chance to innovate and lead, creating a more efficient and adaptable future
.Would you like to highlight some non-financial achievements in the period?
Without a doubt! We were recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work For in Brazil, ranking 17th in the Great Place to Work (GPTW) ranking in the Giants category (more than 10 thousand employees). We are the only company in the electricity sector among the 20 best, on a list of more than five thousand companies.
We were also highlighted in the Valor 1000 and Exame Best and Largest rankings, which reaffirm our position as the largest energy company in Brazil and among the largest in the country. These awards reflect the daily efforts of our 16,000 employees to build a positive work environment and promote sustainable growth
.These achievements show that our commitment is not restricted to financial results. We are focused on innovation and the development of our team, while shaping the future of energy in the country, serving approximately 17 million dedicated customers
.To conclude, a final message after this quarter report?
What drives us at Neoenergia is a continuous commitment to creating value. Our focus is not limited to financial results alone — we are attentive to how we can positively impact all our stakeholders, whether they are employees, clients or
shareholders.Each quarter, we see the reflection of our teamwork, our ability to adapt, and the dedication to ensuring that we are delivering results with efficiency and quality.
Looking to the future, we can confidently say that we are on the right path, building a sustainable and innovative legacy. What brought us here was our ability to transform challenges into opportunities, and this will certainly continue to guide our next steps
.