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All Brazil’s energy resources could run out by November, says national grid

Brazil is facing a massive shortage of energy resources by the end of the year, says the national grid. Photo: Shutterstock
Brazil is facing a massive shortage of energy resources by the end of the year, says the national grid. Photo: Shutterstock

According to administrators of the national power grid (ONS), Brazil is facing a widespread shortage of energy resources by the end of 2021, as a result of the current water crisis

The current scenario, according to the ONS, “results in a degradation of storage levels, especially in the South and Northeast regions” and forces both the national grid and federal government to come up with alternative solutions to ensure the country’s supply of energy resources. 

In late June, the imminent energy crisis led Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Bento Albuquerque to address the nation on TV, announcing a nationwide hike to electricity bills. While he played down risks of power cuts or energy rationing, he urged Brazilians to reduce their electricity consumption. 

The ONS says the increase in consumption forecast for 2021 was caused by a “growth in trade and services activities, especially in industrial production.”