Kite-related power outages rise in Brazil's Campinas and Paraíba regions

Utility companies report a surge in power interruptions caused by kites striking electricity lines. In the Campinas region of São Paulo, the Companhia Paulista de Força e Luz (CPFL) recorded an average of 12 outages per day between January and May 2026, a 6.5% increase over the previous year. Campinas led with 277 incidents, an 11% rise, while nearby municipalities such as Hortolândia and Sumaré also saw significant jumps.

In the state of Paraíba, Energisa logged 54 kite‑related accidents in the first half of 2026, affecting more than 30 000 customers and causing damages estimated in the millions of reais. Operations manager Danillo Lelis warned that contact with high‑voltage equipment can trigger short‑circuits, potentially disabling entire substations. Both utilities advise the public to avoid flying kites near power lines, refrain from using hazardous lines such as cerol or “linha chilena,” and report incidents promptly to the provided hotlines.