Good day, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the video conference of Companhia Paranaense de Energia, Copel, to discuss third quarter 2022 earnings results. This video conference is being recorded and the replay may be accessed at the company's IR website, ri.copel.com. The presentation is also available for download. We inform that all participants will be in listen-only mode during the company's presentation. Later, there will be a Q&A session when further instructions to participate will be provided. Before proceeding, let me stress that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of Copel's management and on information currently available to the company. Forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to future events and therefore depend on circumstances that may or may not occur.
Investors, analysts, and journalists should remember that events related to the macroeconomic environment, the industry, and other factors may cause results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. In this video conference, we have Mr. Daniel Slaviero, CEO of Copel, Mr. Adriano Rudek de Moura, CFO of Copel, as well as the officers of the subsidiaries who will be available during the Q&A session. I would like to turn the floor to Mr. Daniel Slaviero, who will start the presentation. Mr. Slaviero, you may proceed. Good morning to all, and thank you all for joining us in this video conference. Before highlighting the quarterly results of Copel, I think it is important to talk about the letter received by the controlling shareholder on October 31.
As stated in the material fact, what we know is what the State of Paraná requested from CCEE, and I quote, "To provide technical information in order to subsidize a model for potential capital market transaction, whereby the investment of the State of Paraná in Copel is optimized, preserving the State's relevant shareholding in the Company." As also emphasized in the material fact, the adoption of any possible model, depending on the studies to be carried out for this purpose, will be subject to certain approvals in accordance with the law and applicable regulations. We have no information on how the study will be carried out, nor the timeframe for its completion. What we can say is that Copel's management will await the development of this study. To the extent that it is formally requested, Copel will contribute to the work, always following our corporate governance protocols.
Any relevant information on this topic, of course, will be promptly informed to the market. Now talking specifically about our earnings, once again, we ended Q3 with adjusted EBITDA of more than BRL 1 billion. Year to date, adjusted EBITDA was BRL 4.1 billion, so growth of a little over 3% over the same period of 2021, followed by a strong cash generation of BRL 1.4 billion. Furthermore, in line with the company's dividend payout policy, we will have a general shareholders meeting convened for November 21st that will deliberate on the proposal of BRL 970 million in dividends in the form of interest on capital, which would represent an approximate dividend yield of 6% for the year 2022.
We continue to do well in relation to our operating performance, and we keep working steadily to further improve the performance of our business. As we have repeatedly said, we have been pursuing growth opportunities with disciplined capital allocation. Early last month, we announced the acquisition of two more wind hubs worth BRL 1.8 billion enterprise value, which will add more than 260 megawatts of installed capacity to our portfolio. The acquisition is part of the company's growth strategy in renewable energy. It expands the diversification of the generation matrix and is fully in line with our investment policy. With the addition of these two wind farms, wind power will represent 17% of the power generation portfolio of Copel Group, benefiting from the increase in incentivized energy and the reduction in exposure to hydrological risk.
This is an asset of very high quality that started operating recently with first-rate wind turbines and PPA, either in the regulated or free market, with very attractive prices. The installed capacity of the company's consolidated wind power generation after the acquisition of this wind farm will be increased by almost 30% from 2018 to now, with optimized operational management structure, thus allowing for operating synergy with the other companies in the group. On the next slide, I highlight with great pride that Copel was elected the best company in the Brazilian electricity sector in 2022 by the Valor 1000 Award. This achievement has a special interest and taste for us at Copel because we compete in an eminently private market, and this was the first time that the award had ESG criteria for the choice of the winner.
Copel was also recognized for its financial results, for its management and business performance, also for its actions to protect the environment, for its social actions, and mainly for its governance advances that led to the migration in the end of 2021 to level two of governance of B3. I also highlight some recent progress made. The definition of the Foz do Areia grant bonus with a minimum value of BRL 1.8 billion. We intend to put this asset on the market in the coming weeks and hold the auction in Q4 of 2023. All these items listed on the slide, as you can see, which were approved and recently communicated to the market in the last few days, are part of our Vision 2030, which will be detailed in our investor day to take place on November 22. This is the invitation.
I invite you all to participate in the live broadcast at Copel Day on November twenty-second, starting at 9:00 A.M. All of the officers will be present. The officers of the holding and of the subsidiaries, as well as the chairman of the board of directors, will be attending to talk more about the outlook, growth opportunities, and the future of our Copel. It will be a great event. Now I turn the floor to Moura, our CFO, to speak about the financials of the quarter, and then we'll open the Q&A session. Thank you very much. Thank you, Daniel. Good day, everyone. I also thank each and every one of you for joining us in our conference call.
In the financial KPIs, I would like to start by highlighting once again the cash generation of BRL 1.4 billion, up 83% over the same quarter in 2021. In this comparison, we are excluding the effects of the pre-supplement of CRC done by the state government in the third quarter of 2021. Year to date, in the nine months of 2022, we have already totaled BRL 4.4 billion of operating cash generation. This represents an increase of more than 90% in relation to the same period of 2021. One of the main components of this increase is the improvement in the national hydrological scenario with less need to purchase electricity.
Besides, of course, other positive impacts such as tariff adjustment, the growth of the grid market of this, as well as the reduction of the PMSO that we will see in detail later on. With this, we're ending the quarter with a consolidated cash balance of BRL 4.3 billion. Year-to-date, adjusted EBITDA has also surpassed BRL 4 billion, up 3.5%. Q3 2022 EBITDA was BRL 1 billion. In this case, EBITDA comparability between Q3 2022 and 2021 was negatively impacted mainly for two reasons. Deflation on transmission assets. We had deflation according to IPCA of 1.3%. In Q3 2021, inflation was 3%. That gives us a negative effect on our result. I would also highlight the lack of UEGA dispatch this year.
This explains most of this reduction of almost 12% that you can see on the slide, which was partially offset by many other positive impacts, as we have highlighted before. Just one detail, this difference in deflation on transmission assets only happens according to IFRS standards, which updates assets for the fair value monthly. If we consider regulatory balance, this doesn't exist because the effect of inflation in the case IPCA occurs annually with tariff adjustments or reviews every five years. In the relief, we included a reconciliation between balance sheet under IFRS and regulatory balance sheet, where the former is lower by BRL 176 million in the quarter, greater by BRL 380 million year to date. As regards the adjusted net income of BRL 403 million.
Well, there was the impact of the reduction in EBITDA, as I mentioned, and there's also the effect of the increase in the cost of debt, which we have been following for a few quarters due to inflation. Also the rise of interest rates and also the reduction in financial revenue due to the prepayment of the CRC by the State of Paraná. Despite the increase in net debt with the recent acquisitions, this cost should reduce with the expectation of the downward trend in inflation and interest. Still, we don't have a lot of visibility as to when this will occur. Besides the cost of debt, we are also recognizing an additional depreciation charge of BRL 16 million per quarter, mainly due to the effects of the GSF renegotiation, which has already started to be amortized according to the remaining concession term of the benefited plants.
Lastly, there are no relevant non-recurring items recorded this quarter, just some minor adjustments that do not exceed BRL 25 million. In the third quarter of 2021, there was an impact of more than BRL 1.5 billion on the EBITDA, and this was excluded from this comparison base. Moving forward, here we have a bridge with the contribution of each business, Q3 2021 versus 2022, the main positive and negative impacts. It is visually clear the impact of deflation on transmission assets at Copel GeT, which I commented earlier, more than BRL 350 million in the comparison between the quarters. Both on Copel GeT's assets and its investees jointly controlled. We have the impact in the improvement of the hydrological scenario, where the GSF average was about 75% compared to 51% in Q3 2021.
That led to BRL 280 million positive effect on the result. Additional contribution from new businesses that started being included, they are part of the result. Additional BRL 40 million in the reduction in the PMSO at both GeT and DIS. Another relevant impact was the lack of dispatching from UEGA, BRL 167 million quarter on quarter. If we get these two factors, the impact of deflation and the lack of dispatching from UEGA, that adds up to more than BRL 500 million on a comparable basis. Despite the impact on GeT for these two factors, if we consider year-to-date results, EBITDA already exceeds BRL 2.6 billion, up 14% compared to nine months 2021. This is the result of our strategy of efficient management in the commercialization of electricity, cost reduction plan, conclusion of works.
The results are starting to be seen. All of this will be incremented with the recent acquisition of Aventura and Santa Rosa & Mundo Novo wind complexes. This robust growth, more than BRL 500 million, BRL 530 million in the quarter, 13% increase, a historical milestone. Year-to-date, this has already passed the BRL 1.2 billion mark with regulatory efficiency of 11%, a consequence of the increase. There is also 4.9% in the tariffs for the use of the distribution system. Growth in the grid market build and valid in addition to reduction in personnel and administrative costs.
We are very confident in the continued improvement of these results based on all the measures we're executing, both as part of the cost reduction agenda and prudent investments with positive impacts on results. To conclude this part, just a comment on Copel Mercado Livre. That continues to be among the largest traders in Brazil, with relevant strategic importance in the commercialization of electricity of Copel Group, with a strong potential for sustainable growth, with the capturing of opportunities, with greater opening in the free market. In terms of results, EBITDA of BRL 6 million was slightly lower than last year, basically explained by the reduction in the margins of energy purchase and sale, given a more challenging year for the segment. Moving forward, in PMSO, we see a reduction of 4.1% compared to last year.
Personnel reduction was significant, 3% compared to the same quarter last year. 512 employees in the last twelve months, mainly through incentivized dismissal programs. This reduction more than offset the increase in salary of almost 11% in October. Last year, there's an increase in the INPC, national consumer price index. We had some increases, especially in this, we are maintaining adequate levels considering the relevant inflation in the period. On the other hand, we registered a decrease of 38% in the line provisions and reversals, basically due to the reduction of BRL 12.7 million in provisions for litigation, mainly labor.
Finally, there was a growth of BRL 66 million in the line other operating costs and expenses as a result of the higher financial compensation for the use of water resources due to the higher dispatch of hydroelectric power plants. Speaking about investments and moving a little forward, we continue to rigorously comply with the plan, both physical and financial, including bringing forward some projects, as was the case of Jandaíra Wind Hub. We have already invested more than BRL 1.7 billion up to September, and we are focused on prudent investments in the distribution company, which alone has already invested about BRL 1.3 billion out of a total planned investment of BRL 1.6 billion for 2022, mainly in the transformation program that includes the Paraná Trifásico and the Smart Grid.
Just as a reminder, the acquisition of Aventura and Santa Rosa & Mundo Novo hubs will be dispersed only at the closing of the operation that is expected for next year. There is no impact on investments planned for 2022. Moving forward, here we see the performance of leverage without the impact of these encumbrances for comparability reasons. We're talking about 1.9 times. In cases of including this provision, leverage would still be in the range of 2.3 times. We will continue to focus on improving the more balanced capital structure with the levers of the dividend policy and investment policy, and we are advancing well on this journey. As you can see, we do not have any foreign exchange exposure in our debt. The main indexes are DI and IPCA.
With the expectation of reduced inflation and interest rates, we will have lower nominal costs. In terms of maturities, there are no red flags here. Values are quite reduced for 2023 and 2024, concentrating more towards 2025, totally within our capacity of cash generation. Finally, as Daniel has already announced at the beginning of the call, on the next slide, on November twenty-first, the shareholders meeting will deliberate on the proposal of paying BRL 970 million of interest and capital. This proposal takes into account Copel's cash position, maximization of tax benefits arising from this type of income in 2022.
On November 22, soon after deliberation of the shareholders meeting, we are proposing payment of BRL 600 million on November 30 of this year, and the remaining balance, BRL 370 million, by June 2023, on a date to be defined in the next year's general shareholders meeting when we approve the income statements for 2022. Thank you very much for joining us, and I want to reinforce our invitation to Copel Day on November 22. Hope to see you all there. Now we can start the Q&A session. We will now begin the Q&A session for investors and analysts. If you wish to ask a question, please type your name and company in the Q&A button. If you want to ask a question, you just need to type your name and company, please hold as we collect the questions.
Our first question comes from Carolina Carneiro. Good day. Thank you for the call. I have two questions. About Foz do Areia. The concession was defined for possible extension with privatization. Since this should be a sale model, you will still have a stake in. What would be the step-by-step processes to enable the sale? Second question about Araucária. Could you help us understand what the analysis for possible divestment will be like? Carol, good morning. Thank you for the questions. Speaking about Foz do Areia. The ministry published the ordinance with BRL 1.83 billion, both for the price of energy and WACC. They haven't really communicated that. We expect to have access to the data that were the foundation for this study.
In our calculations, we understand that the value is very much adequate to the size and the capacity for revenue generation and result that the asset has. This is a value that, in our calculations, seemed reasonable and adequate. We have both financial advisors and legal advisors standing by. In the next few weeks, our Department of New Businesses is working with our internal team and advisors to put the process out in the market so that we can do this in Q4 of next year in the auction itself. The deadline is December 10, 2023, for us to have adjudication and the renewal of the concession, sale of control with renewal. Then we have 15-20 days to pay the grant bonus. In Copel Day, we will be giving more detail, more color on this process, overall, this is what we expect.
We have seen large respected companies from Brazil and multinationals already showing some interest. We believe that, well, given the quality of the asset, we believe that we're going to have good competition among our partners in the Foz do Areia plant. Regarding Araucária, the board of directors on November fourth approved an in-depth study for divestment in Araucária in a context of net zero carbon net zero in our carbon net zero plan that we have by 2030. This was a significant step, a relevant step. Araucária is an asset with a load center, with a lot of megawatts. It recently went through a major overhaul, a complete retrofit. The asset, just like Foz do Areia, is ready.
It is at the top of its mark, and I believe that it could be interesting for somebody who has a strategy to grow in gas source. It could be a very interesting asset for potential buyers. We expect that in the coming months, the study is expected to evolve so that we can take a complete analysis through our governance committees. This is moving forward, and the trend is that we will sell 100% of Copel shares in this asset so that we can continue our growth in a 100% renewable matrix with hydro, solar, and wind matrix. Our next question comes from Philippe Melo. Given that Copel has earnings retention of more than BRL 7 billion, is it possible to pay more dividends still in 2022?
Philippe, indeed, Copel has a reserve of retained profit that is quite significant, this doesn't mean that we are going to have extraordinary dividend payout. On the contrary, we will continue to follow our dividend payout policy. As I mentioned during the presentation, we have interest on capital. A part of the dividends will be paid still this year, and the remaining balance will be paid next year, and possible adjustments will be made according to the 2022 balance sheet at year-end. That will be presented and approved in the shareholders' meeting in April. We will continue with our dividend payout of the current policy. Our next question by Marcelo Sá. Hello, everyone. Could you please comment whether the studies that were requested by the State of Paraná of operation in the capital markets will also consider privatization scenarios.
What is the expectation regarding the timing to complete the study, and what is the timing regarding the positioning of the State of Paraná regarding future strategies? Hello, Marcelo Sá. As mentioned in the beginning, we still don't have all the information in terms of how the study will evolve and what the deadline is, if there is a deadline for completion. What we know is what we said, what was communicated to the market. It's very clear that the government intends to study options that can optimize their share, also preserving a relevant shareholding in the operation. This is what's very clear. The State of Paraná will analyze. The study will analyze all options, including option of not doing anything, and this will be taken to the governance bodies and submitted to the majority shareholders approval.
It is what we said here, we will be contributing as soon as we are invited and requested following our governance protocols, so that the study can bring a model or a path, and the controlling shareholder will take into account the interest of the company, employees, shareholders, and of course, the customers served. Next question by Daniel Almeida, Gutiá Investimentos. I would like to understand a little better the company's expectation for market opening considering the DISCO. What will be the remuneration of the company's asset, and what role will it start having in low voltage? How do we see this? I'm going to make a quick introduction, and then Max will add, because you and your team are following this up close.
Well, first, the market opening process is inexorable, and we see this as good opportunities for growth with market opening and the potential approval of PL 414/2021. That will set forth the conditions. In our Copel Day, Daniel, we will elaborate on the synergies that we might have from Copel Group and Copel Distribution. With five million consumers and with its ability to build, operate asset and then the trader. Specifically regarding the migration, Max, and the business model, how it will be. Max, perhaps you could elaborate for Daniel and for everyone joining us on this call. Good morning, Daniel. This is an interesting question. We're favorable to improving the rules of the sector. Market opening is beneficial for everyone. Of course, it does have to come with some important rules.
The first is about over-contracting, we believe that the model being evaluated and discussed will bring solutions so that we can coexist with this. I believe that PL 414/2021 will bring us many options and many opportunities of gains for the discos. We see with optimism the possibilities that will open up to us looking forward. I think that to conclude, as we say here, as we always say here, there will always be a wire connecting to households, to the industries and to companies. Distribution, operation, management, storage, and grid operation. All of this will always be an attractive business with a model that will create a lot of benefits, not only for Copel, for the energy sector as a whole. Our next question comes from Jill Sandberger, investor.
I would like to know if the company is thinking about paying quarterly dividends to shareholders. Again, in our dividend policy, we have at least two payments annually, normally on the basis of the first half and the second with closing and approval of financial statements that happen in April, normally in payment until June. The idea is that we will maintain these two dividend payout events. One normally in November, the other one around June of the following year. This is our intent. I'd like to remind you that this is always the basis of the first half of the year, based on the level of financial indebtedness, including financial leverage and availability of cash flow. We always privilege investments. As a reminder, if you want to ask a question, you just have to write your name and company.
As a reminder, if you want to ask a question, you just need to type your name and company. Please hold as we collect more questions. If you want to ask a question, please type your name and company. Please hold as we collect the questions. As a reminder, if you want to ask a question, you just need to type your name and company. Please stand by as we collect more questions. Well, as there are no more questions, once again, I would like to thank all of you, ladies and gentlemen, everyone who was with us on this call. I'd like to congratulate all the officers with me and all Copel employees who worked hard for solid, sound results. As we said in the last 40 minutes, this has been a very intense quarter.
All this vision of the future opportunities, growth, avenues, the discussions that are permeating the whole of Copel, all of this will be explored in more details in Copel Day. Again, I invite you if you can. If you're interested, please enroll to join us online in our Copel Day, Investor Day. Well, the chairman of the board, the whole management will be joining so that we can explore growth avenues, so that we can continue to strengthen our company, Copel. Thank you very much and have a great day. Copel's video conference has ended. We would like to thank all of you for participating, and have a good day.