Brazil industrial electricity consumption hits July record

Industrial electricity consumption in Brazil reached a historic July record in 2026, driven primarily by the metallic material extraction sector. According to the Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE), industrial consumption hit 16,788 gigawatt-hours (GWh), representing a 0.8% increase compared to the previous year and ending a two-month decline.

Total electricity consumption in the country rose by 3.7% in July compared to July 2025. This growth was largely led by the residential sector, which saw a 7% increase, and the commercial sector, which rose by 6.3%. The EPE attributed the surge in residential and commercial demand to higher temperatures, potentially influenced by El Niño, which increased the need for refrigeration. Other contributing factors included favorable income and employment scenarios, an increase in the number of consumers, and lower tariff pressures.

While July marked a record for the month, the industrial sector's cumulative consumption for the year through July remains down by 0.4%.