Flying kites near the electricity distribution network not only poses a great risk to those who fly them, but can also interrupt the power supply, cause accidents and start fires

Flying kites in the wrong places is a danger, since when they get tangled up in poles, transformers or electric cables, they can cause short circuits and even interrupt the power supply. From January to November last year, Neoenergia's five distributors recorded around 4,300 incidents of kites harming customers in regions of Bahia, the Federal District, São Paulo, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco.

Neoenergia Pernambuco alone recorded 2,649 incidents with around 770,000 customers affected. Neoenergia Elektro, which distributes electricity in part of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, recorded 846 incidents in 2024 compared to 753 in 2023, representing an increase of 12%. At Neoenergia Brasília, there were 317 records, 18% more than in the whole of 2023, with 269 occurrences. In Rio Grande do Norte, Neoenergia Cosern recorded 54 episodes. At Neoenergia Coelba, the concessionaire serving Bahia, there were 439 cases with almost 207,000 customers affected.

Important recommendations

Kites should always be flown in open areas with no power lines nearby, such as parks, squares, soccer fields and areas far from urban centers. In the case of kites stuck to poles or wiring, people should never try to remove them. Only professionals from the distributors are duly authorized and trained to approach the electricity grid. Neoenergia also points out that it is forbidden to enter power substations. Access to these sites is restricted and extremely dangerous.

To avoid risks to people and compromise the service provided by the distributors, here are some tips to reduce the chances of accidents with kites:

- Never use metal wires or laminated paper to make the kite, they are like conductors of energy and can cause fatal shocks;

- If the kite gets caught in electrical wires, never try to remove them;

- Do not use cerol or chilena line. In addition to the risk of injury or even death, these materials often cut the wires;

- Don't throw objects into the electricity grid, such as wires, chains and steel cables, as they can cause interruptions in the supply and there is a high risk of accidents;

- Don't fly kites on rainy or windy days. In the event of lightning, collect the kite immediately;

- Watch out for motorcycles and bicycles. The line can be dangerous for those driving these vehicles.