The Brazilian electrical energy regulator ANEEL has approved a request by the CIEM consortium (Vopel, Endesa and Inepar) to increase its energy imports from Argentina from 1000MW to 2000MW. ANEEL’s approval will allow CIEM to import energy from the Itaipu hydro power project and to provide a reliable energy supply to the southeastern region of Brazil. However, in order to facilitate the energy transmission, Brazil will have to construct a 585km long transmission line between Parana and Sao Paulo, estimated to cost about R$393M (US$207M).