On the second day after the strong storm, around 900 thousand customers remain without electricity or with unstable service in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (RMSP), according to a statement from the concessionaire Enel.
Procon-SP announced that it will notify the company to explain the reasons for the delay in reestablishing supply, and that it monitors reports of problems in interior cities, served by other concessionaires, with special attention to supply to hospitals and medical and health facilities , including homes where there is life support equipment.
According to the state government, in the interior, 2,668 consumers are without electricity in the area served by CPFL Paulista; 594, at CPFL Piratininga; and 99, at CPFL Santa Cruz. These numbers represent 0.05% of the total served by the group. Elektro has 6 thousand customers without power, 91% of which have been restored.
Procon-SP’s questioning will repeat previous requests, when the body asked for clarifications on how the concessionaire provided customer service and the specific increase in demands, how the phenomenon impacted ENEL’s equipment and what measures were adopted for repairs necessary for the resumption of distribution within the regulatory deadline, in addition to information on available emergency response teams. Structuring measures adopted since the last blackouts will also be charged.
Enel paulista reported that it works with around 1,600 technicians in the field, including staff from other group concessionaires, operating in Rio and Ceará. In addition to the capital, with around 552 thousand customers impacted, the cities most affected at the moment are: São Bernardo do Campo with 60.4 thousand units, Cotia with 59 thousand and Taboão da Serra with 55.5 thousand. 11% of the company’s customer base remains affected, with recovery forecasts extending until Wednesday (16).
Lack of water
The blackout also affects water distribution in the region. According to Sabesp, a concessionaire that distributes water and collects sewage throughout the metropolitan region, the service is currently impaired in the regions of São Paulo, Santo André, São Bernardo do Campo, Cotia and Cajamar. The distributor recommends controlled use in affected areas.
The city of São Paulo reported having mobilized 4,000 workers for janitorial and traffic support, among other measures to recover affected areas.
Last Friday’s rains (11) had more than 500 recorded incidents, according to the state Civil Defense, which mainly accounted for tree falls. In the state, seven people died, three in Bauru, two in Cotia, one in Diadema and one in the Capital. In Taboão da Serra, around 30 people are homeless, receiving support with humanitarian aid from Civil Defense and municipal teams. The city of Taboão declared an emergency situation.
Hotels and restaurants
The Federation of Hotels, Restaurants and Bars of the State of São Paulo (Fhoresp) informed in a press release that it will take ENEL to court for compensation for losses to the sector. According to the entity, around 250 thousand affiliated establishments were affected by the blackout, mainly bars and restaurants. In November last year, the blackout that hit the capital of São Paulo and the metropolitan region caused a loss of R$500 million for the sector.
