A new way to buy energy – Part 1

Thinking about electricity is like thinking about something abstract. Until it is lacking or the bill arrives, it is considered almost invisible, especially for residential consumers. But there is a group of companies that already trades energy in a different way, with freedom and dynamism.

This group is in the Free Energy Market, an environment where free suppliers and consumers negotiate price and other contractual conditions as they wish.

Speaking like that, it seems simple, but in practice, the free environment can be quite complex, especially for companies that still do not have a dedicated energy department. To make the best purchase, it is necessary to know details such as the contracted demand, the monthly consumed volume, the tariff modality (blue or green) and the distributor – all this to take advantage of energy savings and many other benefits that this market can provide.

Energy consulting

Those who can be part of the Free Energy Market, but do not want to venture into “energy‑speak” can count on specialized support on the subject: energy consulting. These sector professionals understand everything about energy and strive to guarantee the best possible contract, within each company's needs.  

Energy consultants handle matters such as defining the best purchasing strategy for the client's profile, quoting and requesting energy proposals from suppliers, migration (those coming from the Regulated Market to the Free Energy Market), comparative savings reports between these two environments, contract formalization and all operational management directly with the Electricity Commercialization Chamber (CCEE).

The work is challenging and full of operational steps, which increases the chance of errors and hinders the scalability and growth of the company. Moreover, the market is closed and many consultancies have difficulty accessing the most renowned generators and traders, dealing with insecurity and the risk of encountering a supplier that does not fulfill its promises.

Clients of the Free Energy Market

The savings that the Free Energy Market can provide to clients is, without doubt, the biggest attraction. We are talking about consumers who have an electricity bill in the range of R$ 40 000 or more, as well as a minimum contracted energy demand of 500 kW. This demand can be shared among company units, provided they have the same CNPJ root, are in the same submarket and each have at least 30 kW of demand.

The entry rules are just the beginning. It is necessary to go through a migration process, which involves some steps with the distributor and the CCEE and can last up to six months. In parallel, it is recommended to outline an energy procurement strategy and monitor the market to understand the best time to buy.

But before signing a contract it is necessary to quote energy with suppliers. Today this is done by email or even by phone, through indicative proposals. With this practice the client is completely dependent on the response of the traders or generators to proceed with the negotiation and does not have the power to acquire their own energy.

Digitizing a market

Is it possible to fit an entire market into a digital platform? We proved it! By recognizing the numerous problems of the Free Energy Market, we took on the challenge of providing the client with a simpler, faster, more human, and at the same time digital experience. And after months of interviews and immersion in the pains of clients and consultancies, we took an innovation project for the sector off the paper.

“The biggest challenge, without doubt, was constantly seeking to understand the main pains of our users and using all our technical knowledge to create a simple, human solution with an incredible experience. How did we do all this? By working with a qualified team, with purpose in the veins, very united and engaged to overcome daily challenges.”

ANA, PRODUCT MANAGER

To solve these problems we built a secure environment where the client can purchase and manage their energy, guaranteeing the integrity, confidentiality and availability of their information. In addition, we deliver other value propositions, such as the exemption from financial guarantee for contracts, which by itself generates a savings of about 3% per year for the consumer.

Speaking of contracts, ours is fully digital. We use an electronic document signing platform in compliance with the best global standards. Thus, there is no need to print or even authenticate the contract, saving time, money and natural resources.  

“We take care of all the complicated part so that our user can manage their energy with as much comfort and ease as possible.”

SENNA, DIGITAL ENERGY DIRECTOR

Understand how Serena's digital energy platform can make a difference in your energy procurement and calculate your discount with the energy of prosperity.