Energy: the real backup cost (Brazil)

Energy: the real backup cost

In recent times, with the rains and winds, the real situation in which we find ourselves has become clear to most people.

Our electrical, internet and even water infrastructure is not robust as required by regulation.

I live in São Paulo, considered one of the most “equipped” cities in terms of infrastructure in the country. This November:

* Unplanned outages

The hours without power were 5 times what they should have been for the entire year.

* Internet

Signal interruption occurred frequently (many episodes) and lasting many hours at a time.

* Water

Water supply interruptions occurred repeatedly.

As I am an engineer who provides consultancy for companies and institutions, I learned from the beginning of my professional life that “mitigating” the risks that our infrastructure poses is fundamental.

* Have a generator to handle outages from the local  electric utility
* Have more than one internet provider to reduce the risk  of being left without communication
* Have a water well as an alternative  to the local water utility

Excellent! BUT… we end up paying MUCH more due to the lack of reliability of the systems and even the lack of compliance with regulations. Whether due to interruption of services and/or additional investment to mitigate associated risks.

When will Brazil wake up?