Brazil Energy Consumption Still Below 2008, Government Data Show
SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- Brazilian energy consumption is on the rise, but still
1.1% below where it was in October of last year, according to data released
Tuesday by the government's Energy Research Company, EPE.
Brazil consumed 33,722 gigawatt hours of electricity in October, the highest
level registered so far this year thanks to use by households and commercial
real estate.
Industrial demand continues to lag, consuming 14,821 GWh in October, 6.2% less
than the same period last year. However, EPE said industrial consumption remains
on the upswing as Brazil's economy and some export markets recover from a
recession.
Industrial demand accounts for nearly half of all electricity consumed in the
country. Industrial demand is down 9.9% so far this year.
Yet, private homes and commercial properties are picking up much of the slack.
Residential demand for October rose 5% to 8,529 GWh and commercial real estate
demand rose 4.9% to 5,518 GWh.
For the last 12 months, Brazilian energy consumption has reached 385,203 GWh,
down 1.8% from 2008 due to the decline in industrial power demand. All other
sectors have increased demand this year.
-By Kenneth Rapoza, Dow Jones Newswires; 5511-2847-4541; kenneth.rapoza@
dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
11-24-091059ET
Copyright (c) 2009 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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