Light is an integrated company in the electric energy sector and operates in the segments of generation, distribution, and commercialization of energy. The Light Group is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro and is composed of the holding company Light S.A. and its 11 direct subsidiaries.
Its area of operation covers about 26% of the state's territory, with approximately 64% of the total population of the state of Rio de Janeiro being served by the company. In total, out of 92 municipalities, Light operates in 31 of them, serving a customer base of about 4.5 million people.
In 2019, the company was responsible for meeting a consumption demand from the residential class at 30.4%, representing the largest portion of its customers. Next, Light served the commercial class, responsible for 28.5%, and the industrial class, with 18%. The remainder is distributed among other classes.
Light also operates in the market offering energy solutions. As an energy distributor in the state of Rio de Janeiro, the company also develops energy projects and provides advisory services to free consumers as well as to captive ones.
Founded in 1899, Light is a company with over a hundred years of history. Its first activities took place on July 17 of that year, at the Parnaíba Hydroelectric Plant, located on the Tietê River in São Paulo.
Seeking to operate in Rio de Janeiro, then the federal capital, on June 9, 1904, The Rio de Janeiro Tramway, Light and Power Co. Ltd. was created, with authorization to operate in the state in 1905.
The service of supplying electric energy to the state of Rio de Janeiro began on July 30, 1907, the same year the company acquired urban rail companies and unified this service, being responsible for it until 1963. During this period, the development of the city and the emergence of neighborhoods such as Leme, Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon were also observed.
During the 1970s, Light became a state-owned company. The measure taken represented a new strategy of the government, which desired the nationalization of the country's electric systems during the Military Dictatorship period.
The following years were marked by a restructuring of the company. The company's operation in São Paulo was acquired by the state government, giving rise to Eletropaulo. On the other hand, the Fluminense part of the company was one of the most important state-owned companies in Rio, responsible for supplying energy to different and important locations.
After a period of government administration, Light was privatized in May 1996, following an auction on the Rio de Janeiro Stock Exchange. From then on, its shareholding control passed to a consortium formed by three multinationals and Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional.
During the 21st century, Light underwent a series of corporate restructurings, marked by the buying and selling of parts of the company. Currently, Light is a private company, a publicly traded corporation listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange.
