Chile’s National Electric Coordinator, the independent body responsible for operating the country’s power system, has launched an international public tender to award the rights to build and operate two new electricity transmission substations in the Ñuble region.
The call for bids follows Exempt Decree No. 10/2026 issued by the Ministry of Energy, which classifies the projects as urgent infrastructure required to reinforce the regional transmission network.
The projects involve the construction of the Punilla and Quinchamalí substations, with an estimated combined investment of USD 28.6 million and an expected construction period of 48 months.
The substations are intended to strengthen the reliability, capacity and operational security of the regional grid — factors considered essential to support economic activity and future energy demand in the area.
Key milestones of the tender process
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Site visits | 13–17 April 2026 |
| Deadline for questions | 4 May 2026 |
| Submission of bids | 24 June 2026 (16:00) |
| Technical bid opening | 25 June 2026 |
| Financial bid opening | 17 July 2026 |
Tender documents and any subsequent updates will be available on the website of the National Electric Coordinator.
According to the Coordinator, the bidding rules incorporate several adjustments aimed at strengthening competition, simplifying the process and reducing administrative and financial burdens for project developers.
These works are the first new projects tendered under Chile’s urgent transmission works mechanism, which incorporates improvements intended to accelerate both the tendering process and the subsequent construction phase.
The initiative aligns with the Coordinator’s commitment to ensuring the timely development of electricity infrastructure, a key factor for maintaining system reliability and enabling the continued growth of Chile’s power sector.
The Punilla substation, located in the municipality of San Carlos, and the Quinchamalí substation, in Chillán, represent a combined reference investment of USD 28.6 million.
Once completed, the projects will strengthen the regional transmission system and improve:
- Grid security and reliability
- Continuity of electricity supply
- Transmission capacity to support regional economic activity
Both projects emerged from the Ñuble Special Plan, a regional strategy developed through coordination between public authorities and private-sector stakeholders to unlock productive projects and foster economic growth.
Chile’s Undersecretary of Energy, Hugo Briones, welcomed the tender process and highlighted its importance for improving electricity service in the region.
“We welcome the tender for the transmission works associated with the Punilla and Quinchamalí substations, which will strengthen the transmission system in these localities. This is essential, as improving the quality and continuity of electricity service is crucial for all residents of the region,” he said.
