Brazil Wires Up for a Smarter Grid

CPFL Energia and Siemens to deploy 1.6 million devices to cut losses and modernise the grid

2 Apr 2025

Brazil’s electricity supply is set to become more intelligent. CPFL Energia, one of the country’s largest utilities, plans to install 1.6 million smart meters in São Paulo state by 2029. The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to reduce power theft, improve reliability and offer consumers real-time data on their electricity use.

Brazil loses about 16% of its electricity before it reaches paying customers, more than twice the global average. Some of that is due to ageing infrastructure. Much is from illegal hookups. Smart meters, which monitor consumption continuously, can help curb both. By automating meter readings and sending data directly to utilities, they also reduce billing errors and help detect outages quickly.

Siemens, which is supplying the software behind the rollout, says the new system will allow grid operators to respond in real time to surges in demand or faults. “Smart meters are a game changer,” a company representative said. For households, the benefit is more immediate: detailed usage information may help lower bills. For utilities, the payoff is fewer losses and better network management.

Brazil is not alone in pursuing smarter grids. But its challenges, including frequent blackouts, high transmission losses and vast distances, make the case for change more urgent. The federal government has backed digital metering since 2012, but progress has been patchy. CPFL’s project is among the largest yet and may spur others to follow.

Technical and regulatory hurdles remain. Integrating new meters with old systems can be tricky, and consumer privacy is a growing concern. Yet momentum is building. As the country expands wind and solar generation, smart meters will help balance variable supplies with shifting demand.

Brazil’s power system still has a long way to go. But if CPFL and Siemens deliver on their promise, the path to a more efficient, resilient grid will be clearer.