Nos últimos vinte anos, alguns programas voltados ao atendimento de populações de baixa renda foram implementados por órgãos governamentais, inclusive empresas estatais fornecedoras de serviços públicos. No caso da empresa responsável pela distribuição de energia elétrica na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, esses programas atuaram em um largo espectro de atividades, indo da implementação de redes de distribuição de eletricidade em favelas à administração de circos-escola. Devido às características de funcionamento da empresa e do contexto em que ela estava inserida, os chamados programas sociais não foram objetos de avaliações sistemáticas, o que possibilitou o predomínio de opiniões preconceituosas e não permitiu a definição de regras claras, que garantissem a continuidade dos seus benefícios. Com a transferência do controle das empresas distribuidoras para o setor privado, passa a ser ainda mais necessário o estabelecimento de normas para esse atendimento, dado o volume de pessoas atendidas por eles e a importância da energia elétrica no cotidiano. A Avaliação sistêmica dos programas da Eletropaulo voltados ao fornecimento de energia elétrica a núcleos residenciais de baixa renda aponta na direção de que esse tipo de atendimento pode ser viável para a concessionária e para a sociedade, se operados dentro de limites de uma regulamentação adequada, que garanta o equilíbrio entre todos os interesses. / During last twenty years, government, as well as state-owned companies, implemented many public programs in order to assist low income populations. In the specific case of Eletropaulo, the company responsible for the distribution of energy in the Metropolitan region of São Paulo, there was a large selection of activities, ranging from the implantation of electric grid in slums to the management of school-circuses. Due to particular operational conditions and the context of Eletropaulos situation, the so called social programs were not systematically evaluated. As a result, prejudice against these programs arouse and clear rules were not defined to guarantee continuous benefits. With the privatization of electrical energy distribution companies, it is even more necessary a clear regulation of these programs, given the volume of people served by them in addition to the importance of electrical power to all kinds of activities. Systematical evaluation of the program of electrical energy distribution in poor areas proves that it can be feasible both to the company and the society if the regulation guarantees the balance between all interests.

Nos últimos vinte anos, alguns programas voltados ao atendimento de populações de baixa renda foram implementados por órgãos governamentais, inclusive empresas estatais fornecedoras de serviços públicos. No caso da empresa responsável pela distribuição de energia elétrica na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, esses programas atuaram em um largo espectro de atividades, indo da implementação de redes de distribuição de eletricidade em favelas à administração de circos-escola. Devido às características de funcionamento da empresa e do contexto em que ela estava inserida, os chamados programas sociais não foram objetos de avaliações sistemáticas, o que possibilitou o predomínio de opiniões preconceituosas e não permitiu a definição de regras claras, que garantissem a continuidade dos seus benefícios. Com a transferência do controle das empresas distribuidoras para o setor privado, passa a ser ainda mais necessário o estabelecimento de normas para esse atendimento, dado o volume de pessoas atendidas por eles e a importância da energia elétrica no cotidiano. A Avaliação sistêmica dos programas da Eletropaulo voltados ao fornecimento de energia elétrica a núcleos residenciais de baixa renda aponta na direção de que esse tipo de atendimento pode ser viável para a concessionária e para a sociedade, se operados dentro de limites de uma regulamentação adequada, que garanta o equilíbrio entre todos os interesses. / During last twenty years, government, as well as state-owned companies, implemented many public programs in order to assist low income populations. In the specific case of Eletropaulo, the company responsible for the distribution of energy in the Metropolitan region of São Paulo, there was a large selection of activities, ranging from the implantation of electric grid in slums to the management of school-circuses. Due to particular operational conditions and the context of Eletropaulos situation, the so called social programs were not systematically evaluated. As a result, prejudice against these programs arouse and clear rules were not defined to guarantee continuous benefits. With the privatization of electrical energy distribution companies, it is even more necessary a clear regulation of these programs, given the volume of people served by them in addition to the importance of electrical power to all kinds of activities. Systematical evaluation of the program of electrical energy distribution in poor areas proves that it can be feasible both to the company and the society if the regulation guarantees the balance between all interests.

M.Ing. / This research study is about evaluating the practicability of using systems engineering approach to rural electrification project risk management. The research was motivated by rural electrification projects in South Africa that have suffered planning, design or operational problems due to uncertainties at project site level. The dissertation begins by describing the rural electrification background in the first chapter. The process of electrifying rural areas, challenges, and achievements so far in South Africa are presented. The government target for universal access to electricity is also highlighted. The next two chapters address the theory of systems engineering, and project risk management as one of the elements of project management. The theory of systems engineering approach to risk management is then applied to a typical electrification project structure. The electrification project is viewed as a system, with risk management as a sub-system of project management. A case study is presented for a rural electrification project in KwaZulu-Natal that has experienced design and operational problems. A risk system is identified from work breakdown structure, and risk hierarchy framework is produced based on project life cycle cost model. Risks are ranked in terms of their impact and probability. The aim of the study is to understand the impact of each risk on general project risk, and risk mitigation measures that should be taken to address those risks. The research finishes by drawing a conclusion that electrification projects are complex, risks are manageable, and systems thinking can be successfully used to manage electrification project risks. Risk management must focus on the project as a whole, including operation and maintenance, rather than focusing at individual project stages.