Arrival of vacation calls alert about dangers of kites in the electrical network in SP
More than a thousand incidents related to the presence of kites in power transmission lines were recorded in São Paulo in 2025. There was an increase of 14% compared to the previous year. The arrival of school holidays lights up a warning sign: kites and balloons.
In the case of balloons, at least twice, the São Paulo system had to be turned off, in 2025, due to accidents in the electrical network. At least 33,000 homes were affected by temporary interruptions caused by balloon crashes in 2026 alone.
Awareness campaigns try to alert the population to the risks of the practice.
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"A simple action, such as releasing balloons, lighting bonfires or flying kites with metallic tails close to the electricity grid, can generate relevant consequences for the electrical system, affecting the energy supply and putting lives and essential services at risk. Our focus is to increase awareness about this direct relationship between behavior and collective impact", says Fabiano Camargo, Operations Manager at ISA Energia Brasil.
Fabiano's company, responsible for energy transmission in São Paulo, reveals first-hand to CNN Brasil that the group will invest R$30 million in actions in preventive maintenance and in the action called "Small Attitudes, Big Consequences", for education on the topic.
Burning/fires remain one of the main reasons for interruptions in Brazil's transmission system, according to the ONS (National Electric System Operator).
Enel, the São Paulo energy distributor, lists a series of recommendations regarding the risk of kites:
- Never fly a kite during storms, heavy rain or in strong wind conditions. In these situations, there is a greater risk of accidents and the kite coming into contact with the power grid;
- When going out to fly a kite, always prefer open spaces and away from wiring, such as parks and football fields;
- Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult while playing;
- Do not allow the kite to touch the power grid. Contact with energized wires and equipment can cause serious electric shocks, in addition to causing damage to the network and interruptions in the power supply;
- If the kite gets tangled in wires, poles or network equipment, do not try to rescue the toy, throw objects to knock it down, or use devices to lift it. Only trained technicians from the distributor can interact with the cables, as the activity requires the use of safety equipment and specific techniques;
- Metallic materials, such as aluminum, should not be used in the manufacture of the kite, as they conduct electricity, increasing the chance of electric shock, with a risk of death;
- The same goes for the tails. Avoid using laminated material, which can get stuck in electrical wires, causing shutdowns and electrical discharges, which are often fatal;
- The use of cerol (a mixture of glue with ground glass), in addition to being a crime, poses another risk: it can cut aluminum or copper wires, increasing the risk of accidents and interruptions in the power supply;
- The use of the so-called Chilean line, which has an even greater cutting power than cerol, worsens the situation. The risk of fatal accidents is high for pedestrians and motorcyclists, in addition to the damage caused to the electrical network;
- In the event of an accident involving the electrical network, the location must be isolated to prevent other people from approaching;
- If someone or any object is in contact with wires, do not approach it until a qualified professional ensures that the power has been turned off;
In the event of an accident, in addition to calling the firefighters, you must contact Enel on 800 7272 196.
Isa Energia reminds that interventions in safety bands of transmission lines are prohibited and the use of fire is prohibited within a range of 15 meters from transmission lines and 100 meters from substations.
Source: CNN