Author: Carolina Ferreira

On 12 March, the Energy Transition Working Group organised a workshop focused on the theme of “Energy Transition & Impact on the End Consumer.”

The event featured an opening session presented by Fernando Martins (Coordinator of the Energy Transition Working Group) from ENSE, and Renata Scotti (Co-coordinator of the Energy Transition Working Group) from ANEEL, who emphasised how essential it is to reflect on the direct impact that the energy transition has on the end consumer, especially at a time when it is emerging as one of the main economic, environmental and social challenges.

Between decarbonisation, the electrification of consumption, the diversification of energy sources and the evolution of the regulatory framework, there is a proliferation of changes influencing prices, technological choices and consumption patterns.

The workshop brought together two international experts to discuss the topic, with two presentations:

• The Energy Transition and the Consumer’s New Role in the Balance of the Electricity System – Pedro Moura, Professor at the Institute of Systems and Robotics at University of Coimbra (Portugal)
• A Fair and Inclusive Energy Transition and Transformation – Graziella Albuquerque, Director of Revolusolar (Brazil)

During the session, Professor Pedro Moura, from the University of Coimbra, explained that the electricity system is shifting from a centralised model to a decentralised one, with millions of distributed resources. This change requires greater flexibility and alters the balance of the system, which now also depends on consumers’ decisions.

It was also highlighted that, in the future, energy costs may focus more on the power used (kW) than on the energy consumed (kWh), reflecting the challenges of grid management and the integration of renewables.

The workshop also addressed the social dimension of the energy transition, with a focus on the case of Brazil. Despite the growth of renewable energy, challenges such as energy poverty, high costs and unequal access persist. Community solar projects have demonstrated a positive impact through cost reduction, local job creation and social inclusion.

These initiatives include the training of residents, the establishment of cooperatives, and sustainable energy management models. The direct involvement of residents ensures adhesion and a sense of belonging, with community participation being essential to the success and sustainability of the projects. Organisations have also been incorporating concerns regarding digital connectivity, promoting the responsible use of the internet through decisions developed in consultation with the communities themselves.

The main challenges identified relate to scale, funding and policy framework. It was also emphasised that, even without access to technologies such as solar photovoltaics, consumers can play an active role through energy efficiency and consumption management, helping to reduce costs and alleviate energy poverty.

This workshop provided a space for discussion and exchange on how the changes brought about by the energy transition are redefining the role of the consumer within the energy system, as well as the opportunities, risks and safeguards that this entails, and the different ways in which this is manifesting itself across various countries. Participants highlighted that the success of the energy transition will depend not only on technological innovation, but also on effective regulation, appropriate incentives and an inclusive approach that actively involves consumers.

On 23 January 2026, RELOP’s Energy Transition Working Group held its first workshop of 2026, with a focus on the theme of “Resilience of Energy Systems in the Face of Extreme Events”.

The session highlighted that energy resilience is now a structural challenge, in a context where energy systems are increasingly exposed to severe weather events, increased operational risks and new digital vulnerabilities.

On behalf of the Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE), Miguel Alves emphasised that the concept of resilience goes beyond the traditional notion of reliability, incorporating dimensions such as anticipation, robustness, responsiveness and sustainable recovery. The debate on technical solutions, including overhead versus underground networks, storage, interconnections and service quality, highlighted the direct impact of these options on consumers and the tariff structure.

Providing a Brazilian regulatory perspective, Alex Almeida Pignatti (CPFL Energia) presented the main developments resulting from ANEEL’s recent regulatory review, which reinforces requirements for contingency plans, financial compensation mechanisms and transparent communication with consumers. In addition, the operational experience of the CPFL Energia group provided a practical insight into responding to extreme events, highlighting the role of automation, integrated operation centres and continuous investment in network robustness.

The importance of energy security was also highlighted by Tiago Silva, from the National Energy Sector Entity (ENSE), who emphasised the importance of monitoring reserves, market supervision and institutional coordination. In a context of growing international instability and pressure on supply chains, these pillars are essential to ensure the continuity of electricity, natural gas and fuel supplies.

The workshop reaffirmed the importance of an integrated approach to the resilience of energy systems, based on regulatory cooperation, the sharing of good practices and the alignment of public policies, regulatory frameworks and technical decisions. Strengthening resilience is now a key element in ensuring energy security, consumer protection and the sustainability of the energy transition in CPLP countries.

On 24 November, the Energy Transition Working Group (GTE) of RELOP – Association of Energy Regulators of Portuguese-speaking Countries – organised an online workshop, focusing on the theme ‘New Legal Framework for Electric Mobility’.

The session had presentations from representatives from ERSE and ENSE, from Portugal, who shared their approaches to the regulatory adaptation of electric mobility within the new legal framework, in particular the new rules and those necessary for the transition between the two models.

During the workshop, the importance of consolidating Lusophone cooperation was reinforced, as well as investing in innovative solutions that ensure a smooth transition between models and promote more sustainable, efficient and safer mobility.

José Bigares, from ERSE’s Infrastructure and Networks Directorate, presented the regulations of the new legal regime for electric mobility, in particular Decree-Law No. 93/2025 of 14 August. His presentation focused on the main changes in the new legal framework for electric mobility. He highlighted the strengthening of the role of Charging Point Operators, the creation of mobility service providers and the data aggregator, bringing greater efficiency and simplicity to the relationship with users.

Next, Emanuel Delgado, Head of the Inspection Department, and Fernando Martins, Head of the Control and Prevention Unit at ENSE, presented the Portuguese model for electric mobility, focusing on operation, inspection and transparency. Fernando Martins highlighted the transformation of the sector over the last 15 years: from a centralised model to a more open, flexible and competitive market. The end of the specific marketer, ad hoc charging and the integration of solutions such as self-consumption, storage and smart charging promise a more intuitive experience and lower operating costs. Emanuel Delgado presented ENSE’s enforcement application, which has already enabled more than 375 actions since 2020, contributing to greater alignment of the sector with legal requirements.

The presentation of the electric mobility operational model in Portugal — including field operations, the national register of charging points, ENSE’s inspection checklist and real-life cases — highlighted how digital tools, robust processes and effective regulation are essential to ensure transparency, trust and resilience in a rapidly growing sector.

The workshop ended with a rich debate on licensing, tariffs, network quality and social inclusion, reinforcing the role of Lusophone cooperation in building a solid regulatory framework for a fair and sustainable energy transition.

On the 24th of October 2025, RELOP’s XXII General Assembly took place, in Maputo, Mozambique, and had the presence of 30 members.

The meeting began with an opening statement, in which the President of the General Assembly, Paulo da Graça, welcomed all participants and proceeded with the approval of the agenda.

The main projects underway were the first items to be discussed, with the Executive Director presenting the ARME training project, the EU-Angola Dialogues programme, and the preparatory work for RELOP’s first participation in the World Forum of Energy Regulators (WFER).

The RELOP secretariat then presented the new Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, as well as the process of its preparation, which involved contributions from all RELOP members. The Activity Plan and Budget for 2026 were also presented. Both documents were unanimously approved by the members present.

The last item on the agenda was the election of the new governing bodies of RELOP, which will take up their responsibilities on the 1st of January 2026.

On the 22nd of October 2025, RELOP’s XV Anual Conference took place, in Maputo, Mozambique, and gathered over 200 participants.

The event, organised by RELOP, in partnership with ARENE and INP, gathered experts from the energy sector from multiple CPLP countries, who shared more about their perspectives and experiences on the different realities from the energy sector.

This event provided an opportunity to reflect together about the pathways to develop an energy transition that is fair, sustainable, and safe for everyone.

With panels on topics such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), the role of regulation in attracting sustainable investment, the challenges and incentives of electric mobility, and energy security and local value, the conference provided an opportunity to learn about the perspectives and experiences of different realities in the energy sector, with perspectives from all Portuguese-speaking countries.

The conference was marked by important discussions about the future of energy in the lusophone community, where it was made clear the fundamental role that regulation should have on the path to an inclusive and sustainable energy transition.

The Thematic Commission on Energy and Climate of the CPLP Consultative Observers, coordinated by ALER and co-coordinated by RELOP, was present at COP30, in Belém do Pará (Brazil), to present the 2030 Roadmap for Cooperation on Energy and Climate in CPLP Countries – a strategic document released in October, in Mozambique, during the I Energy and Climate on CPLP Week. The event took place on Friday, 14th of November, at the Portugal Pavilion, and was live streamed on the Portuguese Ministry of Environment and Energy’s Youtube channel.

The Roadmap developed throughout 2025 through a multilateral process involving governments, regional and international institutions, as well as the private sector, defines four strategic areas of cooperation: Energy Planning; Capacity Building and Leadership; Mobilisation of Financing; and Acceleration of Energy Transitions. More than a common agenda, the document represents a collective vision of transformation, progress and development, serving as a starting point for joint, participatory and results-oriented actions.

Representing the Energy and Climate Thematic Commission of the CPLP Advisory Observers at COP30, Sandoval Feitosa (President of RELOP and Director-General of ANEEL) highlighted the strategic importance of the 2030 Cooperation Roadmap within the CPLP countries: “We are a group of countries spread across four continents, distinct in our realities, but united by a language and cultural heritage that brings us together. It is precisely in this balance between diversity and common identity that lies the strength of the CPLP and our ability to transform cooperation into concrete results.”

Next, Djane Melo (Deputy Coordinator of RELOP’s Energy Transition Group) gave a detailed presentation of the document, highlighting its potential to boost financing, accelerate projects and strengthen the international positioning of CPLP countries. During the presentation, the next steps of the Roadmap were also outlined, including the widespread dissemination of the document with a view to gathering proposals for new initiatives; the involvement of new international partners to support its implementation; the presentation of the progress of the Roadmap and the implementation of its strategic axes during the II CPLP Energy and Climate Week – to be held in May 2026, in Guinea-Bissau; the launch of thematic cooperation platforms in CPLP countries; and coordination with international agendas, including the presentation of the Roadmap’s impact at the next COPs.

The event in Belém consolidated the position of Portuguese-speaking countries as an active, coordinated and committed bloc in the global energy and climate agenda, demonstrating that cooperation between CPLP Member States can be a driver of innovation, investment and solutions tailored to national and regional realities.

On the 21st of October 2025, the CPLP Colloquium on Energy took place, in Maputo, Mozambique, and gathered over 100 participants.

The event, organised by RELOP’s Work Groups in partnership with ALER, gathered experts from the energy sector in order to promote the exchange of knowledge and reflection on strategies for advancing the energy transition in the community of Portuguese-speaking countries.

With panels that touched on themes such as the Energy and Climate Cooperation Roadmap in the CPLP, energy eficiency as a pilar for regulating the energy transition, and the role of gas and oil on energy security, the event served as an important moment of reflection about the current energy situation in CPLP countries. IEA was also present, and shared for the first time their National Climate Resilience Assessment for Mozambique.

RELOP’s Energy Transition Work Group used this opportunity to launch the Fact Sheets that they have been developing, which gather practical examples of measures, policies, and projects implemented in member countries, contributing to a energy transition that is fair, sustainable, and inclusive.

To close the event, there was a round table where several RELOP regulators reflected on the regulatory challenges for the energy transition.

The colloquium was marked by moments of sharing, reflection, and inspiration on the challenges and opportunities of energy transition in the Lusophone countries, where the spirit of openness to joint action was clear. The fundamental role that regulation plays in the path towards an inclusive and sustainable energy transition was highlighted.

The RELOP Working Group on Energy Transition has been developing a set of Fact Sheets that showcase practical examples of measures, policies and projects implemented in member countries, contributing to a fair, sustainable and inclusive energy transition. These fact sheets present, in a concise and comparable manner, the main national initiatives in the field of energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric mobility, green hydrogen and other emerging vectors.

Based on the Golden Circle methodology and the Energy Trilemma, the Fact Sheets aim to strengthen knowledge sharing and promote regulatory dialogue among Portuguese-speaking countries, highlighting the role of regulatory bodies and public policies in advancing the energy transition.

See below for fact sheets on each country (Portuguese only):

The third edition of the publication accompanying the CPLP Energy and Climate Seminars is now available.

Dedicated to the 4th CPLP Energy and Climate Seminar and the II CPLP Conference on Energy, which took place in Cascais, on the 27th and 28th of May 2025, this issue gathered summaries of the sessions, articles and highlights from both events.

The II CPLP Conference on Energy, with the theme “Driving a Resilient, Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Transition for the CPLP” brought together, over two days, 430 participants from all CPLP countries and generated more than 100 news stories. The winner of the Maria Cristina Portugal 2025 Award was also announced at this event.

The CPLP Energy and Climate Magazine is edited and published by ALER, with contributions from RELOP and other partners. For the latest edition, RELOP contributed with the article: “Creating an attractive environment for investment” by the author Cecílio Sacramento, Administrator of the General Regulatory Authority of São Tomé and Príncipe (AGER).