Residents of Copacabana and Leme, located in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro, experienced a power outage during the early hours of Carnival on February 16, caused by an overload in the electrical system. This incident follows a similar blackout that affected the same areas shortly after New Year’s, raising concerns about the reliability of the local utility company, Light. While power was eventually restored, the utility did not disclose how many streets were impacted by the outage.

The situation highlights recurring issues in these neighborhoods, particularly during festive periods like Carnival and New Year when there is a significant increase in visitors. In January, the neighborhoods also saw a blackout that lasted four days, which Light attributed to cable theft, indicating a potential vulnerability in local infrastructure. With both incidents occurring at peak tourist times, they underscore the challenges faced by utility companies in managing increased demand and maintaining service reliability.

The implications of these outages extend beyond mere inconvenience, affecting local businesses and the overall experience for tourists, who flock to these vibrant locations during major events. As the city prepares for further influxes of visitors, the reliance on stable infrastructure and effective management practices becomes paramount for the success of tourism in Rio de Janeiro, particularly in the iconic areas of Copacabana and Leme.