An inspection by the National Electric Energy Agency concluded that the blackout that left Amapá without electricity for 21 days at the end of 2020 was the result of maintenance failures and could have been avoided.
Macapá Transmission of Energy Lines, responsible for the operation of the substation, was fined R$3.6 million, equivalent to 3.54% of its net operating revenue. According to Aneel, it was the largest fine imposed by the agency, in percentage terms.
The blackout occurred after fire erupted in one of the transformers at the Macapá substation on November 3. The installation had been operating in a precarious manner, as one of its three transformers was already stopped for maintenance. After the fire, the second piece of equipment in operation also saw problems.
The Macapá substation is responsible for receiving electricity from other parts of the country and reducing its voltage to serve the state. Aneel's inspection says it found 21 non-conformities in the installation, justifying the fine.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon