# Enel Rio utility operations and power outage challenges

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/enel-rio-utility-operations-in-rio-de-janeiro
> Updated: 2026-11-09T16:14:27.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

Enel Rio reported that vehicle collisions with utility poles caused significant power outages in Rio de Janeiro during the third quarter of 2026. Between July and September, 92 collisions across 66 municipalities affected nearly 60,000 customers. For the period of January to September, total collisions reached approximately 280, impacting 120,000 customers. The highest number of accidents occurred in Campos dos Goytacazes, Macaé, Cantagalo, Niterói, and Maricá. Enel Rio noted that repairing or replacing a damaged pole takes an average of eight hours, and operational costs from these accidents are passed on to the sector.

In response to service needs, the company announced the deployment of mobile service units in November to assist residents in Itaboraí, Saquarema, and Magé with debt negotiation, new connections, and service reconnections. Additionally, Enel Rio provided over R$ 1 million in funding to Niterói for the implementation of solar energy systems and energy efficiency measures to modernize public services.

Following heavy rains in November, officials criticized Enel and Light for delays in restoring electricity to thousands of residents. Governor-elect Douglas Ruas coordinated with the Rio de Janeiro State Legislative Assembly to summon representatives from both companies, demanding an efficient response plan with specific goals and emergency protocols. In Araruama, Mayor Daniela Soares issued a note of repudiation against Enel after a storm left 4,496 customers without power, causing school suspensions. Enel reported that approximately 185 trees fell on power lines during the storms, complicating maintenance efforts.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-09: Rio de Janeiro officials demand action from Enel and Light over power outages

Rio de Janeiro officials and local leaders are demanding accountability from Enel and Light following widespread power outages caused by heavy weekend storms across the state.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rio-de-janeiro-officials-demand-action-from-enel-and-light-over-power-outages

### 2026-11-03: Enel Rio announces mobile services and clean energy funding in Rio de Janeiro

Enel Rio is providing mobile customer service units in Itaboraí, Saquarema, and Magé, while also funding a R$ 1 million solar energy project in Niterói.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enel-rio-announces-mobile-services-and-clean-energy-funding-in-rio-de-janeiro

### 2026-10-27: Enel Rio vehicle collisions affect 60,000 customers

Vehicle collisions with utility poles in Rio de Janeiro impacted nearly 60,000 customers in Q3, with 92 incidents reported by Enel Rio across 66 municipalities.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/enel-rio-vehicle-collisions-affect-60000-customers

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Cite as: Enel Rio utility operations and power outage challenges. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/enel-rio-utility-operations-in-rio-de-janeiro