EDP benefits more than 123,000 consumers with energy efficiency projects
In 2014, the company invested about 21,3 millions to raise energy consumption awareness and improve domestic electrical facilities
EDP, a company engaged in the marketing, production and distribution of electric power in Brazil, has benefited more than 123,000 consumers in 2014 with its energy efficiency projects. Throughout the year, the company invested about R$21 million and implemented a broad and diversified consumption awareness program. The campaigns targeted both major cities and remote rural communities - including a highly successful program aimed at teachers and students.
EDP energy efficiency programs help fight waste while teaching the population to use electricity in a safe and responsible manner. Process improvements, changes in consumption habits, and the adoption of devices with more modern technologies translate into better electrical installations for the consumer, who also benefits from energy savings. From the company perspective, one of the advantages of these programs is the reduction of peak consumption, which relieves the load on the distribution system.
In 2014, EDP four major projects produced impressive results. The Boa Energia na Comunidade program reached more than 15,000 customers within the concession areas of the EDP Group distribution company in São Paulo. By fighting clandestine connections, raising awareness and mobilizing the population, the program succeded in regularizing electricity supply in private homes and small businesses. More than R$6 million were invested in internal interventions and in the replacement of refrigerators and light bulbs, focusing on low-income groups and without burdening users with extra costs.
This was also the premise underlying the Agentes da Boa Energia campaign, one of EDP energy efficiency programs in Espírito Santo. The company employees visited several communities to offer them personalized and localized services. They negotiated debts, scheduled visits for the regularization of domestic electricity connections, and helped families obtain the so-called Social Tariff aid, a federal government benefit that offers discounts on the electricity bill. In 2014 the project also brought 38,938 energy-efficient devices - from refrigerators to light bulbs and power upgrade kits - into low-income households.
Different energy in schools
One of EDP most successful energy efficiency campaigns is the Boa Energia nas Escolas program. Since its inception in 2011, the program has reached more than 800 public schools, 3,818 teachers and 323,638 students in Espírito Santo and São Paulo. Last year, the program added 237 higher education institutions to this list, reaching 971 teachers and 95,673 students from eight cities in Espírito Santo and nine in São Paulo.
For children and teenagers, the project major attraction is the Good Energies Truck, a vehicle turned laboratory classroom, and play area. The vehicle has covered over 1,275 kilometers in 2014, bringing agents to schools to share energy efficiency concepts in a creative way, with experiments, games, comics, and even a model that simulates domestic power consumption.
One of the commitments laid out in EDP efficiency programs is the use of alternative energy sources. This is the focus of the Boa Energia Solar program, which allows users to exploit sunlight and achieve up to 30% savings on their electricity bill. In 2014, more than 1,700 customers within EDP Bandeirante and EDP Escelsa concession areas joined the project by installing smart showers, solar collectors, and water heating systems. To further improve energy efficiency levels, 10,200 incandescent light bulbs were replaced with fluorescent light bulbs, which are more economical and durable.
Solar energy was also the solution found by EDP to bring electricity to remote areas such as Montão de Trigo Island, located north of São Paulo, 14 km off the Brazilian coast. The initiative benefited 18 families in 2004.
The results of EDP energy efficiency programs demonstrate the Group commitment to responsible energy consumption. The bulk of these investments are focused on low-income domestic users, small business owners and non-profit organizations. With the experience acquired through these campaigns, EDP believes that the commitment of all those involved in the projects stems from the focus on providing customers with palpable and swift benefits.
