Investigação sobre as práticas e tratamento dos passivos ambientais das empresas de energia elétrica listadas na Bovespa

Abstract

This research addressed the disclosure process of treating environmental liability practices in a group of 18 companies in the segment sector and subsector of electricity. To fulfill the research questions, it was selected all companies listed in the ISE (Corporate Sustainability Index), from 2002 to 2006. Moreover, it was randomly selected the same number of companies, but not listed in the ISE. Such companies were chosen because the responsibility and the risks of the segment are relevant to environmental aspects. Through the literature, it was possible to understand some issues relating to the main topic of this research, including concepts, sources and forms of disclosure of environmental liabilities. Such research was mostly done by means of essays and articles relating to the subject. It was applied the content analysis to find the results, and it was verified whether the companies listed in the ISE were committed to the treatment of environmental liabilities or not. Those companies were reviewed by the Program Disclosure of BOVESPA stocks and foreign sites of private companies that were part of the sample. It can be stated that the companies do not show -by means of reports - the disclosure process demanded by the Manual of Accounting regulated by ANEEL, through Resolution 444. However, they all demonstrate being committed to the environment, as well as show some information related to the environment. Nevertheless, after examining the reports, it was not possible to identify the commitment to environmental liabilities, even when those are not legally demanded. Furthermore, it was not possible to detect any spontaneous processes adopted by companies that use the Accounting theory. But the companies listed in the ISE were more concerned with environmental issues, as they show this kind of information more often. To conclude, it is not possible to state whether the environmental liabilities were hidden or not, because the companies only mention the environmental liabilities through fines, indemnity and the reconstruction of degraded areas.