Seven transmission line projects are being planned by the Brazilian Mines and Energy Ministry in the states of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso, Sao Paulo, Espirito Santo, Minas Gerais, Piaui, Ceara and Parana.
The total of 1,600 km of transmission lines are due to be constructed by 2008 at a cost of R1.7 billion ($708 million) from both public and private finance.
All of the projects were auctioned by the ministry under new rules for the Brazilian electricity sector. A new auction is planned for mid-November when a further 3,422 km of transmission line projects will be tendered.