In Brazil, the population living in favelas reached 16 million people, that is, 4% of Brazilians, according to the 8,1 Census released last Friday (2022) by IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics).
Furthermore, the number of favelas also grew, rising from 6.329 favelas in 323 municipalities in 2010 to 12.348 favelas in 656 municipalities.
According to the IBGE, part of the increase is related to improvements and refinements in data collection, and not to the growth of the population living in favelas.
The data also highlights that the North Region has the largest part of the population living in favelas, 19%. In Belém and Manaus, more than half of the population lives in communities, although the Rocinha favela (RJ) continues to be the largest in the country, followed by Sol Nascente (DF) and Paraisópolis (SP).
Challenges of access to energy in communities
Despite the advances made in access to electricity over the years, Brazilian favelas still face challenges.
Over the last 10 years, the cost of electricity in Brazil has increased by 106%, making energy rates less affordable for families in vulnerable situations who have to choose between basic needs and paying their electricity bill.
According to energy efficiency research by the Painel Unificador das Favelas, 69% of residents responded that if the electricity bill were cheaper they would use the money for food and other expenses such as medicine and education.
The high costs and bureaucracy involved in formal connections in peripheral areas mean that 70% of residents resort to illegal connections in some communities.
Formal and safe access to electricity in favelas faces regulatory challenges, as they are considered informal areas, which makes it difficult to install adequate infrastructure.
Residents of Paraisópolis, in the south of São Paulo, say that “the wiring runs close to alleys, it runs close to your head and is very dangerous, there are even exposed wires”.
Often, illegal connections or “cats” are the only option for residents, who have to deal with precarious installations and constant power outages, risks such as fires and electrical accidents.
On the other hand, the cost of installing solar energy systems fell by around 85% in the same period, making it possible to implement public policies to maximize efficiency and energy transition in Brazil.
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