Extreme weather drives energy supply interruptions in Brazil

Extreme weather events are significantly impacting energy stability in Brazil. In Goiás, Equatorial Goiás reported that wind gusts and lightning strikes account for 51.23% of power supply interruptions, with strong winds representing 26.56% and lightning 24.67% of occurrences. The company noted that wind can displace structures and break distribution cables, while lightning can trigger protection mechanisms that cut power.

In the Greater São Paulo region, a cold front in September produced wind gusts of up to 86.4 km/h, leaving approximately 127,000 homes without electricity and disrupting urban train services.

Meteorological forecasts indicate a high probability of a strong El Niño between September and November, with projections suggesting its effects could last until early 2027. This climate pattern is expected to bring above-average temperatures and varying precipitation patterns across the country. Experts emphasize the need for increased investment in energy resilience, preventive maintenance, and contingency planning to mitigate the impact of these recurring extreme weather events on critical infrastructure.