Developments since the Fourth Line 1

The innovative transmission expansion policy introduced in Argentina in 1992 has been refined and modified since then. Refinements include provision for transmission companies and others to propose quality and substation expansions. There have been several such expansions, and no lack of investment in quality and reliability of supply. A ‘second round of reforms ’ in 1998 introduced transmission rights and a method of ‘riskbearing expansions’. These and other reforms were rescinded before they became effective. In 1999 a Federal Transmission Plan was introduced, to build lines designated by the federal and provincial governments. This reflected a decision to give greater weight to political rather than economic considerations, rather than a failure to meet the original economic aims of reform. The original reform led to less investment in major transmission lines but used existing lines more intensively, which was more efficient. Competition to construct expansions developed, and le...