Brasília – The decision by the government to centralize decisions concerning the electricity sector in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, with a corresponding reduction in the power of its regulatory agency (Aneel), is something that will take some time.

Yesterday, president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a decree extending the present powers of Aneel indefinitely while the problem is resolved.

According to specialists, that decision will make it possible for the sector to move ahead without interruption while details of the new situation are ironed out. But they point out that investors remain concerned with the lack of a clear role for Aneel and that could mean a delay in the inflow of investments in the sector. (AB)