Electricity is an essential input that brings regional development and quality of life to the population, and EDP, electric energy distributor in Guarulhos, Alto Tietê, Paraíba Valley and the North Coast of São Paulo, works continuously with the electric system regularization program in the cities where it operates. Between January and October this year, the Company directly benefited more than 17 thousand low-income families in the municipalities within its concession area with networks and technology that bring greater security, efficiency and quality to the energy supply.

The works included, depending on the characteristics of the location, the installation of a standard pole for homes not yet connected to the EDP system, medium voltage distribution network, pole installing, among other technical and security measures for the complete execution of services, totally paid by the Distributor.

To reinforce the importance of the safe and efficient use of electricity, after the completion of network services in each location, residents receive personalized guidance from Agents of Good Energy. Technicians guide families with tips, in addition to the benefit of the Social Tariff, which guarantees a discount on the electricity bill, in addition to replacing bulbs with higher consumption with LEDs, which are more economical and sustainable.

Giuliano Vieira, EDP's executive manager, points out that the regular energy supply is an important step for regional development and progress and that the performance of the Distributor depends on the partnership with the city halls, since the energy concessionaires can only operate in regularized locations by the municipal government. "Our goal is to bring our energy with quality and safety to the entire population and, for this, we work continuously to regulate the electricity network in the municipalities in the concession area".

Risks and losses of illegal connections

According to the Brazilian Association of Energy Distributors (Abradee), clandestine connections are among the biggest causes of death in the country related to electricity. Between 2009 and 2018, 303 deaths were recorded. Most of the time, the irregularities are done in a precarious way and expose the responsible person, the neighborhood and even children to serious risks, such as electric shocks, short circuits and fires.

In addition to being dangerous, the famous “cats” also worsen the quality of the service provided to regular customers in the region, since they overload the electrical networks, leaving the distribution system more susceptible to interruptions and fluctuations in the energy supply.

These regular consumers are also affected financially, since the amount of energy lost through theft and the costs to identify and curb irregularities are taken into account by the National Agency of Electrical Energy (Aneel) to establish the energy value for each area of concession. The State also fails to collect the Tax on Trade and Service (ICMS), charged through the electricity bill, and, consequently, transfers less funds to social public policies aimed at education, health and security.

Communication channels

EDP asks the population to contribute, informing and denouncing clandestine connections. The distributor provides the following customer service channels:

- Website EDP Online: www.edponline.com.br

- EDP Online application (compatible with Android™, iOS and Windows Phone platforms)

- Service agencies (the address of each point can be found on the EDP Online website)

- Customer Service Center: 0800 721 0123 (toll free, 24 hours/seven days a week).

It is important to note that the confidentiality of the complaint is total, and the inspection carried out with the utmost urgency.