Rio de Janeiro officials demand action from Enel and Light over power outages

Following heavy rains on Saturday, officials in Rio de Janeiro are criticizing energy concessionaires Enel and Light for delays in restoring electricity to thousands of residents.

Douglas Ruas, the governor-elect, has coordinated with the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly (Alerj) to summon representatives from both companies. He is demanding an efficient response plan that includes specific goals, deadlines, and emergency protocols. While energy concessions are federal, Ruas stated the state will not remain idle regarding the impact on the population.

In Araruama, Mayor Daniela Soares issued a note of repudiation against Enel after a storm left 4,496 customers without power, forcing the suspension of classes in six municipal schools. Across the state, approximately 78,502 customers remained without electricity. Significant outages were reported in Duque de Caxias, Magé, São Gonçalo, and Itaboraí.

Enel reported that roughly 185 trees fell on the power lines during the storms. The company stated that maintenance teams are facing difficulties in areas requiring the reconstruction of entire sections of the network, but work to normalize service is ongoing.