ENERGY PROBLEM: Methods of Combined Intervention between Government and Concessionaires and the Use of Distributed Generation in Favelas - Case Study of Paraisópolis slam - SP
Reducing poverty in all its forms is to improve the quality of life of the population as a whole. It is a consensus in the literature that energy poverty does not allow the economic and social development of people, so it does not allow them to achieve an adequate level of quality of life. Overcoming energy poverty is a very important step towards building a healthier society. Working together, government and energy companies could easily universalize access to modern forms of energy to the low-income population through distributed generation. The use of solar photovoltaic technology is on a world-wide scale and has high potential of implantation in the Brazilian territory. There are some forms of energy distributors to reach the low income population, however, energy poverty still persists, showing that the actions are not occurring efficiently. Without conditions to bear the costs of maintaining their access to electricity, low-income families end up becoming defaulters or resorting to "cats" (a form of electricity theft). Theft of energy falls into the category of Non-Technical or Commercial Losses and confers damage to electric power distributors. The installation of photovoltaic generators, after an initial investment, produces clean energy and low cost, bringing more safety in the electrical installations of low-income communities, in addition to reducing the losses to the distributor company due to theft and delinquency. In this dissertation, a case study of the Paraisópolis favela, located in the city of São Paulo, is carried out, evaluating the economic and technical feasibility of implementing the distributed generation of a photovoltaic solar system connected to the grid. The initial investment would be made by the São Paulo power company, Enel Distribuição São Paulo, which suffers from the burden of energy theft and would eventually benefit from reducing its loss from non-technical losses. The annual monetary loss of Enel was estimated for energy theft in Paraisópolis from the energy demand of families with non-regular energy connections and then the solar photovoltaic system and its implantation value were projected. Technical aspects were observed that would possibly make the installation unfeasible, such as loading on the roofs and occupied area. It was also evaluated how the government can assist in the implementation of this project, such as tax incentives or low-rate financing. Finally, it is noted that the implementation of the system is feasible economically and feasible. However, Enel's engagement and government incentive for the project to be developed. This dissertation also does not cover all the aspects that dictate the viability of the project, and further studies are necessary.