Regulação tarifária: aplicação do modelo econômico Tarot para otimização da tarifa de energia elétrica praticada no setor elétrico de São Tomé e Príncipe

Abstract

In a monopolistic electricity market, regulation of the electricity sector is essential to avoid overinvestment that does not match the quality of service provided. In this sense, this work aims to evaluate the structure of the electricity sector and the tariff system of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), and to propose a more efficient methodology of tariff calculation through the economic market model, TAROT (Optimized Tariff), for the determination of a tariff that is capable of promoting the economic and financial balance of the Water and Electricity Company (WEC), and to ensure that the levels of quality of service and the demand for electricity are met, while considering the ability to pay according to the income of consumers. In addition, the impact of the tariff increases on low-income families and WEC was analyzed. It is necessary to create tariff policies that enable the inclusion of these families in the WEC electrical system. In this sense, the tariff should be increased gradually, and it is essential that in addition to it I reflected the operational costs of the company, also ensures that the low-income population has access to electricity at more affordable prices. Finally, an analysis of investment in energy sources was carried out as viable alternatives to complement the current electricity generation system (diesel thermoelectric) in São Tomé and Príncipe. For this, we used the indicators of economic viability analysis: Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Minimum Attractiveness Rate (MAR) and discounted Payback. It was found that the insertion of alternative energy sources in the energy matrix together with Energy Efficiency, in addition to contributing to improve efficiency and safety in generation, would also significantly reduce the operational costs that the company has with the import of diesel to generate electricity, in addition to promoting increased competition in the electric market.