Put to the test

When analyzing retrospectively the results achieved in 2012, I notice that this was a year in which the Operator was put to the test in various challenges we faced. And if at the end of the period we could view the achievements with pride, considering the characteristics of the organization, this is due to a coordinated and proactive management in several aspects.

We had the necessary and valuable collaboration of all institutions responsible for the management of the electric sector: the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency and other regulatory agencies, the Energy Research Company, the Electric Power Trading Chamber, the State Secretariats of Energy, each of the 321 associate agents and the associations that represent them.

In addition, we rely on ongoing dedication and personal commitment of each member of ONS’s technical staff. Working responsibly and integrated, we have been able to overcome challenges and keep the organization in the long journey of success that has marked its history.

In 2012 projects that prepare the system so that our mission can be performed more effectively in the future were continued. I highlight among them the analysis of the supply conditions of the host cities of FIFA Confederations Cup, of FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the preparation for 2016 Olympic Games; the assessment of compliance of the basic projects of the Madeira river transmission system to the requirements of the the bidding documents, essential for its integration into the BIPS; deployment activities of ONS Power Management Network (REGER); the adoption of a regular cycle of review of all Grid Procedures involving the Agents; and the work of the technical groups that analyze the conditions of power supply to the main load centers, responsible for studying the actions and measures for the implementation of the works already established and operational measures necessary to ensure the supply to various states of the federation, which involved the State Secretariats of Energy and Environment. In particular, it was given a differentiated treatment for facilities considered strategic in order to minimize the effects of multiple contingencies on the transmission system. All are long-term projects that extend beyond the boundaries of the calendar year.

Regarding the finalistic activities, we have faced specific challenges, both in the administration of the resources available to meet the power load in a year marked by unfavorable hydrological conditions, and in coping with large disturbances occurring between September and December, which had great social impact. Despite these difficulties, we have continued efficiently coordinating the operation of the BIPS and guaranteeing the energy supply with security at the lowest cost.

I would like to highlight the involvement of ONS technical team in preparation for the entry into operation of the interconnection Tucuruí-Macapá-Manaus, which will enable a significant reduction in the cost of thermal generation in the North region, as well as provide thousands of consumers of the areas to be interconnected with the same supply guarantee standards available for other consumers in the country. I emphasize further the effective participation of ONS's staff at the work coordinated by the Administration Board, which examined the challenges and proposals for improvement of the processes for expansion of generation and power transmission, as presented to MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy).

From a corporate perspective, the projects for moving to new facilities in Florianópolis, Recife and Rio de Janeiro were continued. Regarding the personnel management, investments in improving the technical capacity and human development were kept, paving the way for their participation in defining initiatives that affect their professional and personal lives, aiming at the organization sustainability. Among these projects, I would highlight in 2012 the redefinition of organizational values, the structural review of the Management Plan for Jobs and Remuneration, the implementation of the Career Paths Program and the beginning of the establishment of Manager Model.

To the institutions that participate in the management of the Brazilian electric sector, to the people who are part of them and to our workforce, our thanks on behalf of ONS Board of Directors.

Hermes Chipp
CEO