The Brazilian electric sector has the function of ensuring the generation, distribution and market of electric energy. This work aims to present the development of this area, focusing the main public policies applied. The adopted methodology is based on a bibliographic review, analyzing the data obtained and presenting the facts that have occurred, with emphasis on policies, models and socioeconomic impacts. At the end of these stages, the project objectively presents the events and their benefits or losses, using statistical data, executive orders approved in times, and associated policies. The research has studied in the period from 1879-2018, investigates the information presents arguments of the authors based on databases always looking for relationship with the cases, explaining it in direct and simple way.