For an adequate and extensive view of the multiple activities in which the Brazilian Electric System Operator - ONS was involved in 2009, with the proper license for the use of analogy, it would be necessary to use a lens with variable zoom.

Opening it, we can focus on ONS international relationships, in its effort to formalize the establishment of the Very Large Power Grid Operators – VLPGO institution, which culminated in the approval of its bylaws this year, as well as the progress achieved regarding its main technical challenges: the preparation of a specification on phasor measurement units (PMU), the integration of additional renewable resources, the operation of high voltage systems in direct current (HVDC) and the description of he world’s best restoration practices.

Closing the lens a bit, we can see the important role of the Operator in the electrical energy integration with neighboring countries, using resources from the BIPS to meet the needs of systems of Uruguay and Argentina.

Further limiting the scope of the lens, and adjusting it to the borders of the BIPS, we highlight the proper completion of the institutional functions of the Operator, with neutrality and transparency, and the improvement of the relationship with the organization’s Associate Agents. Stand out in 2009, the two outputs of the meeting with Agents and Associations, on June 8th and October 7th, with a significant presence of the target audience. First, several technical and management issues were shared with participants. In the second meeting, the goal was to identify, from the perspective of Agents and Associations, which are the main challenges of the Operator for the next five years, so they were considered in strategic planning for the term 2010-2014.

Finally, closing the zoom across the boundaries of the organization, we focus on the actions for the improvement of technical processes and for management of personnel, seeking to attract, retain and develop professionals of ONS own staff. It is important to highlight the work of the Administration Board, which was, in 2009, with its balanced and representative formation of the organization Associate Members, dedicated to the analysis of management corporative indicators and to the study of the best solutions for the occupation, by ONS, of more adequate and standardized facilities in Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis and Recife.

Despite acknowledging that not even with the use of analogy can we foresee the future, our expectation is that, with the competence of the Operator technical staff and the experience of its Board of Directors, the new challenges arising from the increasing complexity of the integrated operation of the BIPS will be addressed and overcome with the same success that has marked the trajectory of the Operator.

Maurício Stolle Bähr
ONS Administration Board’s President