The Digital Jolt Behind Brazil’s Power Revolution

Eletrobras teams up with C3 AI to create a smarter, faster, and more resilient grid across Brazil

31 Oct 2025

Eletrobras, Brazil’s largest electricity transmission company, is accelerating a digital overhaul of its network through a partnership with enterprise software group C3 AI. The state-controlled utility is deploying C3 AI’s Grid Intelligence platform across its entire system as part of its “Eletro.ia” initiative. The value of the agreement was not disclosed.

The effort comes amid growing strain on Brazil’s grid, which must balance rapid expansion of renewable energy, vast geographical coverage, and greater exposure to storms and wildfires. Eletrobras said traditional monitoring systems had become inadequate to manage these pressures.

The new platform applies artificial intelligence to detect equipment failures, group alarms, and alert operators in under ten seconds, a process that previously relied on manual supervision. Following pilot tests in 2024 at ten substations, the company has extended deployment to its full transmission network, including remote areas.

“We launched Eletro.ia to bring AI into every layer of our operations,” said the utility’s director of innovation and technology. The company expects the system to reduce outages, lower operating costs, and support the integration of solar, wind, and hydropower.

For C3 AI, the partnership strengthens its position in the modernisation of critical infrastructure. “Expanding energy resilience remains our core mission,” said the company’s chief executive.

Analysts say the initiative reflects a broader shift among utilities in emerging markets from limited trials to full-scale digital adoption. The trend could redefine energy management across Latin America as demand and climate risks rise.

Eletrobras is continuing to address cybersecurity, workforce training, and integration with legacy systems in coordination with national regulators. Despite these challenges, officials say the programme represents a decisive step toward a more resilient and sustainable grid.

Brazil’s rollout marks one of the most comprehensive applications of AI in the power sector worldwide, setting a benchmark for other nations seeking to balance reliability with decarbonisation.