New 1,000 km link planned for 2007
Colombia’s Interconexion Electrica (ISA) has been awarded a government contract to build and operate a 1,000 km power transmission line linking central Colombia to the Atlantic coast. Construction is due to begin in 2006 with operations set to commence in 2007, after which ISA will be responsible for maintaining the line for 25 years. The $295 million contract has been placed in order to help prevent future power shortages in Bogota, and to protect the national grid from Marxist rebel bombings.
ISA, an affiliate of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, was reportedly awarded the contract by the government after underbidding its competitor Bogota-based EEB.