Distributors of the group in the Northeast cut branches near the electricity grid to prevent risks during months with higher wind intensity in the region

Rio de Janeiro (RJ), September 15, 2023

The months of August and September, in the Northeast, are recognized as the period of strong gusts of wind, especially on the coast. In anticipation of this historic climatic condition, which may cause problems in the supply of electricity, Neoenergia's distributors in the region — Neoenergia Cosern (RN), Neoenergia Pernambuco (PE) and Neoenergia Coelba (BA) — carried out 408,522 preventive pruning of branches close to the electricity grid. The measure is necessary so that the branches, when moving in the wind, do not collide with the network causing accidental interruptions.

“We carried out the pruning after extensive mapping of the events involving the supply of electricity in a certain region. When we identify the risks of interruptions caused by the accidental touching of branches on the cables and wires, we carry out the preventive service. These actions take place throughout the year and reinforce the safety of the population and the quality of our service”, points out Harley Albuquerque, Health and Safety Manager at Neoenergia.

From January to July of this year, in Neoenergia Cosern alone, which supplies energy to 1.5 million customers in Rio Grande do Norte, 2,455 incidents of interruption of the energy supply caused by the touch of branches in the electricity grid were recorded. They can also cause a short circuit and, in some cases, break the cables and cause accidents. The distributor carried out 50,274 pruning during the period, while Neoenergia Pernambuco carried out 215,286 and Neoenergia Coelba, 142,962. To identify the cases that may present risks, there is a mapping and planning of the actions to take place for pruning.

Neoenergia reinforces the safety alert that tree pruning, when the branches are very close to the power grid, can only be carried out by company technicians. In the event of a tree falling over the electricity grid or whose branches pose risks to the wires, the distributor requests that the citizen contact the distributor through the service channels (website, WhatsApp or through the 116 Call Center).