Problems in the supply of electricity affect producers in Mato Grosso

Old wiring, fallen poles, frequent power outages, and networks with no maintenance or low capacity are among the main complaints of rural producers in Mato Grosso regarding the state's power supply in recent months. And with the arrival of the rainy season, the concern increases even more.

In recent weeks, problems have worsened, compromising the operation of essential equipment for agricultural production, such as storage, irrigation systems, machinery, issuing of invoices, in addition to the safety of workers and the population, with the obvious threat of fire.

With the lack of response to the problems from the energy concessionaire, producers have been taking money out of their own pockets to hire private service providers, since production cannot stop, as in the Sorriso region, of the producer and coordinating delegate of the Association of Soybean and Corn Producers of Mato Grosso (Aprosoja-MT), Adalberto Grando.

“Here it fluctuates too much, there are a lot of problems with equipment burning out. The irrigation system, for example, has a defense against this, and when it triggers this device, it stops, and then we have to run around to get a part, to get it working again, and unfortunately this is very common, rain or shine,” said Adalberto.

Improvements in energy service

In an attempt to minimize the damage suffered by producers, Aprosoja-MT met with representatives from Energisa to ask for greater speed in the maintenance of the existing network and the expansion of supply. This is because, as technology in the field advances, the structure also needs to advance, as stated by the administrative director of Aprosoja-MT, Diego Bertuol.

“Mato Grosso is expanding, but the energy grid is not keeping up with it; the deficit is glaring. In addition to needing greater capacity, we need to maintain the current grid. Warehouses, cotton mills, irrigation, and farms are prevented from developing sustainably and with dignity, which negatively impacts the municipality, especially the social aspect,” Bertuol emphasizes.

The director of Aprosoja-MT, who is also a rural producer, feels the difficulties of providing energy services first-hand, emphasizing that in addition to dealing with climate uncertainties in 2024, and other factors such as the lower supply of rural credit, the producer cannot count on a quality energy service.

“On the farm, we have irrigation losses, maintenance has been halted, the office is unable to carry out administrative work, seeds cannot be treated and effective planting is prevented. This is just a small part of what the producer goes through, without any support from a company that has a monopoly in the state, precarious, poor quality and shameful service,” said Diego.

Power outages are frequent

The establishment of new companies and investments in agribusiness are also being affected in Mato Grosso due to the lack of quality in energy distribution, as stated by the vice-president of Aprosoja-MT, Luiz Pedro Bier. “Especially during the rainy season, power outages are frequent and there is not enough energy in regions such as Gaúcha do Norte, for example, to install new commercial warehouses and this prevents new companies from setting up in these regions”, highlighted Bier.

Energisa representatives present at the meeting committed to finding quick solutions to reduce losses to producers in the event of a power outage. In addition, they will conduct a study in the regions of Mato Grosso to identify which areas most need an increase in the supply of electricity.