Brazil to give 'tough response' to vandalism of power infra

Brazil's government will give a tough response to vandals who damage the country's electric power infrastructure, mines and energy minister, Alexandre Silveira, told local journalists on Tuesday. 

"Our national power grid is an asset that belongs to all Brazilians, so it’s important to denounce these acts, which are an attack on national sovereignty," he said.

Silveira added that the government is considering installing cameras on power transmission towers and using drones to increase security for the electricity system.

New cases of vandalism of Brazil's power transmission infrastructure have been reported since incidents took place on January 8 and 9. 

The incidents took place after radical supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro stormed and vandalized the supreme court, presidential palace and congress on January 8.

Power sector regulator Aneel confirmed that seven such incidents have been reported to date: three in Rondônia state, three in Paraná and two in Sao Paulo. 

Four power transmission towers were toppled (three in Rondônia and one in Paraná) and 12 damaged (four in Paraná, two in São Paulo and six in Rondônia). 

“The companies are working on the faults identified and the events are being monitored and inspected by the agency,” Aneel said, highlighting that there has been no interruption to energy transmission due to these events. 

Infrastructure damaged by vandals. Source: Aneel