Santander, Colombia - Colombia's mines and energy ministry has opened public bidding processes for two power transmission projects in Santander department amid efforts to reinforce the national electricity grid. 

In the municipality of Cimitarra, ministry planning unit UPME sought expressions of interest in a second transformer at the Primavera substation. Bids for the project's supervisory contract are due on May 9, with envelopes slated for opening on May 29. The Primavera substation is the property of Interconexión Eléctrica (ISA), which is majority owned by state-owned energy company Ecopetrol. 

Meanwhile, UPME called for expressions of interest in a fourth transformer at the Sogamoso substation in the municipality of Betulia, which is also the property of ISA. A May 11 deadline was established for the supervisory contract, with envelopes scheduled to be opened on May 31. Bids for technical and financial offers from potential investors are due on July 5 and winners are set to be announced on July 19.