After a year marked by a water crisis, 2016 began with heavy rains, raising reservoir levels, especially in the South and Southeast regions of the country.
The rains not only provided relief for water supply but also improved power generation conditions, minimizing the risks of an energy crisis.
One immediate effect was the change in the tariff flag, already in March, from red to yellow, and in April, to green.
However, the overall improvement in the scenario does not eliminate the risk of a company, industry, or enterprise suffering from isolated power outages.
Accidents and emergencies are part of the routine for companies in all sectors.
For instance, at the end of January, a storm with winds of 120 km/h left more than 320,000 customers of the State Electric Power Company (CEEE) in Porto Alegre without power.
In February, it was the turn of the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro to face power outage issues caused by rain.
A storm flooded the hospital’s machine room, and the elevators stopped working.
The consequence was the cancellation of 22 surgeries.
To avoid situations like these, keeping a power generator on standby, which starts operating immediately in case of a power outage, is the first major decision.
Another measure is to create an emergency plan.
There are several companies in the market, duly certified and authorized, that provide generator rental services.
With 24-hour service, they can be automatically activated in case of power supply interruption.
More than a recommendation, the use of power generators in public and private hospitals is stipulated in Bill 7231/14.
The bill, which has already been approved by the House of Representatives but still needs Senate approval, mandates the presence of an electric power generator in all hospitals with surgical centers, obstetric units, ICUs, coronary units, or any other facility that cannot afford operational interruptions.
The recommendation also applies to establishments like cold storage facilities, airports, supermarkets, music and sports events, stadiums, and mining companies.
It is certain that when there is a risk of power supply interruption, the key word is prevention, and generator rental is the main ally to avoid losses and damages.
