Rio Grande Energia faces legal action and consumer backlash in Brazil

Rio Grande Energia (RGE) is facing legal and consumer challenges in Rio Grande do Sul. In Taquara, the municipal government filed a public civil action following a storm that left nearly 200 families without power. A judge granted an injunction requiring RGE to restore electricity within 24 hours and suspend charges for the period of interruption; failure to comply could result in fines up to R$ 100,000.

Simultaneously, consumers in various cities, including Passo Fundo, Gramado, and Canela, have reported electricity bills tripling in cost. In response, Procon in Passo Fundo suspended payments for several invoices and notified the Public Ministry. RGE attributed bill increases to an annual tariff adjustment authorized by Aneel and higher consumption during the winter, specifically due to heaters and electric showers, though the company noted these factors do not fully explain the extreme spikes reported by users.