Portuguese 
Microparticles Allow Identification of the Origin of Cables and Equipment in the Power Grid, While Technology Deployed in Rio Grande do Sul Begins to Expand to Other Distributors of the Equatorial Group.
In January 2026, the Equatorial Group implemented technology in Rio Grande do Sul capable of creating a unique identification for cables and electrical equipment. Since then, over 3 kilometers of cables and grounding from substations have received microparticles that function as a kind of “DNA” of the assets, allowing verification of their origin with a specific reading device.
The deployment occurs amid the challenges posed by the theft of copper cables and wiring in Brazil. In addition to material losses, the illegal removal of these components can compromise electricity supply, public lighting, and other services dependent on the infrastructure installed in urban areas.
The first numbers released by the company illustrate the extent of actions taken during this period. Since the technology began operating, 38 anti-theft operations have resulted in 43 police citations and the seizure of approximately 1,480 kilograms of cables. Equatorial has also recorded an approximate 55% reduction in incidents compared to the same period last year.
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Equatorial’s Nanotechnology Creates Unique Identification That Functions as a “DNA” for Cables and Equipment
The solution adopted by the Equatorial Group uses microparticles with a unique identification, applied directly to cables and equipment. This marking acts as a form of “DNA” for the company, making it possible to recognize materials belonging to the distributor even after they have left their original installation site.
The reading is carried out using specific equipment capable of identifying provenance and helping to verify ownership of the material. As a result, the technology complements other security and intelligence initiatives employed by the company to combat theft and trafficking of assets within the electrical grid.
This resource also seeks to enhance investigation efforts following incidents. According to Johnathan Costa, Corporate Security Manager of the Equatorial Group, identification and traceability improve prevention and investigation capabilities, as well as facilitate integrated action with law enforcement agencies.
Project Began Development in March 2025 Before Reaching the Electrical Grid of Rio Grande do Sul
Preparation for the deployment began nearly a year before the technology was actually installed in the cables. Studies commenced in March 2025, when the company began evaluating the nanotechnology solution aimed at identifying and tracing materials used in the network.
By January 2026, the technology became operational in the Rio Grande do Sul concession. According to the Equatorial Group, the company became the first electricity distributor in Brazil to implement this type of solution for identifying and tracking materials in its infrastructure.
The initiative added a new tool to the measures used to protect a network deemed essential for the continuity of services. The goal is not only to hinder the removal of materials but also to enable the identification of cables and equipment when they are recovered during operations.
Over 1.4 tons of cables seized as theft incidents dropped by approximately 55%
Since the implementation of the technology, over 3 kilometers of cables from the electrical grid and substation grounding have been marked in Rio Grande do Sul. During the same period, efforts against material theft advanced with operations conducted in cooperation with public security forces.
In total, 38 operations were conducted, resulting in 43 police citations and the seizure of approximately 1,480 kilograms of cables. Concurrently, the company reported a roughly 55% reduction in theft incidents compared to the same period last year.
Equatorial itself attributes this decline to the set of measures adopted by the company, and not solely to nanotechnology. The measures encompass intelligence, security, technological resources, and integration with public security forces, while microscopic identification adds tracing capability to the recovered materials.
Technology deployed in Rio Grande do Sul begins to expand to Maranhão and should reach other distributors by 2028
After the initial rollout in Rio Grande do Sul, the solution has begun its expansion process to Maranhão. The Equatorial Group’s plan outlines a gradual application until reaching all the company’s distributors by 2028.
The next phase will also change the timing of when the assets receive identification. The company aims to apply microparticles to cables and equipment while still in the Distribution Centers, before these materials are sent to warehouses and subsequently used in the field.
This strategy will allow equipment to leave logistics centers already identified with exclusive marking. Thus, traceability can track the material even before its final installation in the electrical infrastructure.
Equatorial Group serves over 14 million customers and maintains energy distributors in seven Brazilian states
The expected expansion for the coming years involves a structure that goes beyond the gaucho market. Currently, the Equatorial Group operates with seven electric power distribution concessions, located in Maranhão, Pará, Piauí, Alagoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Amapá, and Goiás.
According to data presented by the company itself, these distributors serve over 14 million customers. The group is present in 28% of the national territory, serves 15% of Brazilian consumers, and accounts for 13% of the national electricity distribution market.
The scope also extends to services, telecommunications, commercialization, distributed generation, and sanitation. The Equatorial Group also acquired 100% of the shares of Echoenergia S.A., expanding its presence in the renewable energy segment.
With the planned expansion by 2028, the microscopic identification initially used on assets in Rio Grande do Sul is expected to reach the group’s other distributors. The goal is to enhance the traceability of cables and equipment while the company reinforces actions aimed at combating theft and the reception of these materials.
