A eletrificação de Manaus: aspectos técnicos, políticos e econômicos (1895-1950)

Abstract

This thesis aims to present the model in which Manaus Electrification took place, starting from the 1895 public lighting contracting by the State of Amazonas. Through the investigation of the Political Power and Economic Power interrelationships, we sought to find out the role of electricity in Manaus social dynamics and urban development. Based on the popularization of electricity, as an energy matrix, could bring not only economic benefits but also political benefits to government rulers, the contextual approach was used to situate the political and economic environment in which the electricity system was developed in Manaus, over the studied time period. Described facts and events’ analysis led to conclude that Manaus electrification happened under a strong economic subjection on politics, since the public administration has been, since its beginning, responsible for electricity public policies development. Also, Governments have always been the largest energy companies customers as well as the electricity services regulators.Manaus electrification model followed other Brazilian cities model, where political subjection of economics still remains as a rule at the national electrical system.