The new solution enables high availability communication between operational devices, allowing, in the case of sensors applied to the distribution network, precise fault location and a 30% reduction in the travel time of repair teams

Neoenergia is investing in IoT (Internet of Things) technology to modernize its communications infrastructure and make its distribution network more efficient and resilient. The first tests carried out with fuse switch sensors estimated a 30% reduction in the travel time of repair teams - which represents an improvement in service provision.

Earlier this year, the company developed a multi-access IoT connectivity ecosystem capable of keeping its operational devices always connected by switching between three possible connection networks: private LTE in the 450MHz band, public LTE and satellite. The system currently switches between the private and public bands and, from the second half of the year, it will also be able to operate with satellite networks using NTN-IoT (Non Terrestrial Networks) technology. This solution, innovative in the sector, guarantees communication in remote areas.

The high availability of communication between operational devices, such as network sensors, reclosers and smart meters, makes it possible, for example, to locate faults quickly and accurately. This translates into faster power restoration in the event of outages and greater efficiency for the company in managing equipment and in the field work of operational teams.

"Investments in modernizing and digitizing the network reinforce the reliability of the energy supply, increasing the resilience of the network and strengthening operational intelligence.With the adoption of IoT, Neoenergia is delivering an increasingly better customer experience and is moving towards meeting its goal of digitizing 90% of its high-voltage and medium-voltage networks by 2030," says Jáder Carneiro, Neoenergia's Network Digitization Superintendent.

Pioneering in communication via private networks

Neoenergia's progress in telecommunications is directly related to the use of the 450MHz frequency band. The company was the pioneer in Brazil in obtaining authorization to use the band in order to deploy a private LTE network. The project began in 2024, in Brasilia, with three base stations, and today has 13 stations in the final stages of implementation - with the aim of extending coverage to the entire concession area by 2028.

Technology for intelligent operations and resilient networks

The platform that makes up this flexibility between the three means of communication is the Qualcomm® 9205S LTE IoT modem, adopted as the central component of the new connected devices of Neoenergia's distributors. The module supports operation on public and private bands, as well as integration with satellite networks, guaranteeing connectivity even in scenarios of signal failure or limitation. The company also relied on national technology partners Nepen, Constanta, HartBR, Tecsys and Novus to scale the IoT architecture and integrate the modem with the main equipment in the electricity grid.

"Qualcomm is delighted to be collaborating with Neoenergia on such an innovative and strategic project. Our technology, present in the Qualcomm® 9205S LTE IoT modem, is designed to offer the flexibility and reliability that enable resilient connectivity, intelligently switching between private, public and, in the future, satellite networks.This initiative is a fundamental step for the country to advance in the digitalization of its infrastructure and reinforces our commitment to boosting the IoT ecosystem in the region," says Leonardo Finizola e Silva, Head of Product Marketing LatAm IE-IOT.

The management of IoT devices, such as sensors, reclosers and smart meters, and the switching of profiles between the private LTE network, public LTE and, in the future, NTN, will be done remotely via Neoenergia's own intelligent connectivity management platform. Control is possible using eSIM SGP.32 technology, a new specification from the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the global organization that represents mobile operators.

Connectivity management was developed for Neoenergia in partnership with Arqia, Thales and BR Captura in order to increase operational flexibility, reduce costs and speed up the expansion of the fleet of connected devices.

The results obtained by Neoenergia with IoT in operations will be presented during the UTCAL Summit conference, which will be held between March 17 and 20, 2026, in Rio de Janeiro.