Regulatory Enhancements for the Operational Sustainability of Transmission Systems in Severely Polluted Environments

The research was carried out within the scope of a Research and Development (R&D) project that included electrical testing on contaminated insulators (both naturally and artificially moistened), measurements of pollutant conductivity, analysis of leakage currents and partial discharges, as well as the implementation of a sensor-based system for real-time monitoring of electrical and environmental variables. Additionally, case studies were conducted with other

Brazilian transmission companies operating under similar conditions, allowing for comparative analysis of adopted strategies and validation of mitigation proposals.

The results indicate that insulators installed in areas with high pollution density perform significantly below the standards set by technical references and feasibility studies (reports R1 to R4), which underpin the concession auction documents. Such underperformance reduces asset availability, leads to revenue losses due to contractual penalties, and necessitates emergency interventions such as frequent equipment cleaning, installation of booster sheds, and premature insulator replacement—all of which lack adequate recognition under current regulatory models. Based on this diagnosis, the article consolidates a set of regulatory recommendations structured around four main pillars: (i) creation of a dedicated revenue stream for preventive replacement of insulators exposed to aggressive environments; (ii) mandatory inclusion of pollution studies in concession auction notices, based on measured—not merely qualitative—data; (iii) revision of the Electric Sector Asset Control Manual to reflect the actual useful life of assets; and (iv) regulatory recognition of recurring operational expenditures, such as inspections and insulator washing, as recoverable costs.

The proposals aim to align regulation with the operational realities of transmission companies, enhancing predictability, technical efficiency, and incentives for the adoption of innovative solutions such as smart sensors and insulation materials with greater pollution resistance.

Furthermore, they contribute to strengthening supply security—particularly relevant in the context of the energy transition, where infrastructure reliability is essential for the integration of variable renewable sources. Thus, the article underscores the role of regulatory instruments as drivers of investment in infrastructure and innovation, promoting a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable power sector.