ISA CTEEP completes the reconstruction of assets in Serra do Mar and energizes the Baixada Santista-Tijuco Preto transmission line

• The company renewed 9.6 km of transmission lines and 22 power towers between the municipalities of Santo André and Cubatão (SP);
• In the midst of dense vegetation and undulating terrain, the project made intensive use of helicopters to ensure low environmental impact and safety for the technicians;
• With an investment from ANEEL of R$ 45 million, the modernization allows for the preservation of safety and reliability in the energy supply for the National Interconnected System (SIN).

São Paulo, December 1, 2023 – ISA CTEEP, a leader in the energy transmission sector in Brazil, has completed and energized the reconstruction of the 345 kV Baixada Santista–Tijuco Preto C3 transmission line, located in the Serra do Mar region between Santo André and Cubatão (SP). Over the course of 11 months, the company renewed 9.6 km of transmission line and rebuilt 22 energy towers, aiming to preserve the safety and reliability of energy supply for the National Interconnected System (SIN), primarily benefiting the coastal region of the State of São Paulo. The investment estimated by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) was R$ 45 million.

Due to the extremely complex access to the route, with dense forest and rugged terrain, the company adopted innovative strategies, such as the intensive use of helicopters for civil works, tower assembly, and cable installation. These measures ensured the safety of the workers involved in the transmission line maintenance and minimized environmental impact by avoiding the removal of native vegetation.

During the project, 400 and 300 flight hours were recorded for transporting teams and cargo, respectively, totaling 3,000 tons of materials — including 1,580 tons of concrete and 177 tons of metal structures. Additionally, 261 tons of scrap were removed and sent to a partner company of ISA CTEEP responsible for the proper disposal of iron, steel, and copper.

“The renewal of this transmission line, which is extremely important for supplying the Southeast Region, was essential to preserve safety and reliability in the national interconnected system. It is a structure built in the 1970s and was at risk of erosion due to climate effects. Having a robust plan to act preventively on these assets is fundamental,” says Gabriela Desirê, Executive Director of Operations at ISA CTEEP.

“It is a great source of pride for ISA CTEEP to deliver such a highly complex reinforcement and improvement project in the Serra do Mar, which required innovative strategies and deep engineering expertise to ensure worker safety and environmental preservation,” adds Dayron Urrego, Executive Director of Projects at the company.

Socio-environmental Responsibility

The company’s transmission line is located within the Serra do Mar State Park and near the Alto da Serra Biological Reserve, the Municipal Natural Park of Springs, and the Heritage Site of Paranapiacaba — requiring extra care during the project.

To address this, ISA CTEEP used drones and helicopters and deployed a team of biologists and veterinarians on-site to guide technicians in protecting local fauna and flora. Workers received orientation on the importance of conservation units, and the project included selective waste collection and less invasive techniques, such as aerial access to structures, minimizing vegetation disturbance and reducing intervention in watercourses like streams and rivers. Drones were used to reduce tree damage during cable removal, and large helicopters (AIRBUS H225 model) were used to transport materials and install new structures. Upon completion, an environmental compensation plan will be implemented in alignment with the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB).

Reinforcements and Improvements (Modernization of Installed Infrastructure)

From January to September, ISA CTEEP invested R$ 784.4 million in asset renewal — a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2022, when R$ 537.6 million was invested. These projects are supported by the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The company is responsible for 94% of the energy transmitted in São Paulo State, and much of its infrastructure dates back to the 1970s. Currently, ISA CTEEP has R$ 5 billion in authorized investments from ANEEL to be executed between 2023 and 2027.

In the nine-month period, the company replaced 1,407 outdated pieces of equipment, compared to 546 in the same period last year — a 258% increase. The goal is to reach 1,500 replacements by the end of 2023. These include transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, protection systems, and transmission lines. All replacements are scheduled at the end of their life cycle to ensure proper operation and prevent system failures.

About ISA CTEEP

With a team of over 1,600 employees, ISA CTEEP operates in 18 Brazilian states, managing a transmission network that carries 30% of all electricity transmitted in the country and 94% in São Paulo State. Its electrical system includes more than 31,000 km of circuits (about 28,000 in operation and 3,400 under construction), and 137 substations (129 in operation and eight under construction) with voltages up to 550 kV. The company’s controlling shareholder is the Colombian firm ISA, which holds 35.82% of total capital.

Press Contacts – ISA CTEEP – RPMA Comunicação

Kelly Queiroz – (11) 94216-3176

Sara Saar – (11) 97566-2433

isacteep@rpmacomunicacao.com.br