Equatorial Maranhão reinforces the fight against clandestine connections

Over the years, Equatorial Maranhão has intensified actions to combat illegal electricity connections in the state and reinforces the warning to the population about the risks of this illegal practice. In addition to being a crime, energy theft represents a direct threat to people's safety, potentially causing electric shocks, fires and supply interruptions. In the first half of 2026 alone, the Distributor carried out 15,647 inspections in Maranhão, where 1,404 illegal connections were regularized in the state. During this period, the energy consumed and not billed as a result of these illegal practices exceeded R$30 million. Taxes such as ICMS are levied on this amount, which represents significant revenue losses for the state of Maranhão. Inspection and regularization actions In 2025, the Distributor carried out approximately 195 thousand inspection actions throughout Maranhão, identifying irregularities in consumer units, both due to meter fraud and direct deviations from the electricity network. As a result of this continuous work, more than 14,200 illegal connections were regularized across the state. The Distributor carried out approximately 195 thousand inspection actions throughout Maranhão Disclosure/Equatorial The irregular interventions, carried out without any technical or safety criteria, compromise the electrical network and significantly increase the risk of serious accidents, affecting not only those who make the clandestine connection, but also neighboring residents and the entire community. Social and economic impacts In addition to the risks to life, energy theft causes direct impacts on society as a whole. In 2025, the energy consumed and not billed as a result of these illegal practices exceeded R$59 million. Taxes such as ICMS are levied on this amount, which represents significant revenue losses for the state of Maranhão. These resources could be invested in essential investments for the population, such as health, education, culture and sport, reinforcing that energy theft is not just a loss for the Distributor, but for society as a whole. Safety first Equatorial Maranhão reinforces that the main focus of actions to combat clandestine connections is the preservation of life. Intervening in the electrical network without authorization and without technical training is extremely dangerous and can result in fatal accidents. Intervening in the electrical grid without authorization and without technical training is extremely dangerous Disclosure/Equatorial As part of this commitment to safety, the Distributor maintains VC+ Seguro, a movement that guides customers on the correct use of electrical energy, the importance of regularizing installations and the adoption of good practices that reduce risks within homes and businesses. Crime and reporting Clandestine connection is a crime provided for in article 155 of the Brazilian Penal Code. To curb this practice and increase community safety, Equatorial Maranhão advises that any suspicion of energy theft or irregular intervention in the electricity grid be reported anonymously. Illegal practice puts lives at risk, compromises the energy supply and generates social losses for the state Disclosure/Equatorial Reports can be made via the website www.equatorialenergia.com.br, via the 116 Call Center or directly to the police, via 190. Public participation is essential to reduce risks, save lives and ensure a safer and more reliable energy supply for everyone. VC+ Seguro Movement Equatorial Maranhão reinforces that these guidelines are part of the “Vc+ Seguro” Movement, an initiative that acts preventively, guiding its customers and reinforcing the importance of safety with electrical energy to avoid accidents. The campaign aims to expand access to information and raise awareness among the population about the risks and dangers related to the use of electrical energy, reaffirming the Distributor's commitment to safety, accident prevention and the well-being of the community. Red August During the month of August, the movement's actions are reinforced with the Red August campaign, an initiative promoted by the Brazilian Association of Electricity Distributors (Abradee), aimed at raising awareness among the population about the risks of accidents involving the electrical grid.