The project involves the 220/132 kV Uco Valley Transformer Station and the expansion of the Capiz Transformer Station—two cornerstone infrastructure works for the region’s productive corridor and the province as a whole. “This infrastructure will strengthen and provide greater reliability to electricity distribution and transmission,” said Minister of Energy and Environment Jimena Latorre.
Six companies submitted their financial bids, after successfully passing the technical evaluation stage, to execute a strategic project that will reinforce electricity distribution in the Uco Valley and enhance the stability of the provincial power system: the 220/132 kV Uco Valley Transformer Station and the expansion of the Capiz Transformer Station.
The bids were revealed during the opening of Envelope 2, held at the Ministry of Energy and Environment, with the participation of all relevant oversight bodies and under the transparency and regulatory compliance conditions established in the bidding documents.
“When rules are stable and transparent, participation increases. And with greater participation comes stronger competition. Stronger competition leads to lower prices,” Minister Latorre stated after the financial offers were disclosed.
“Some companies have submitted bids below the initial estimated budget. That means public resources can be allocated more efficiently, making it possible to carry out a greater number of infrastructure projects,” she added.
“This is a highly significant project for our province, for the residents of the Uco Valley, and for Mendoza’s entire productive sector,” the Minister said during the opening ceremony. “This infrastructure will strengthen and provide greater reliability to electricity distribution and transmission in the Uco Valley, while also reinforcing the broader provincial transmission system. It represents a direct benefit for more than 150,000 residents and for the region’s productive corridor.”
“Many times, projects like this are not visible and may seem disconnected from people’s daily lives. But they are transformative. Ensuring availability, reliability, and transmission capacity means that new industries can establish operations in our province, that productive sectors can expand, and that residents receive a safer and more dependable service,” Latorre explained.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary of Energy and Mining Manuel Sánchez Bandini emphasized that these works are a necessary step toward expanding renewable energy generation.
“They will enable renewable energy projects—such as those currently under construction and others that may obtain feasibility approval—to generate clean energy and inject it into a transmission system that will be strengthened by this new line,” he said.
“We are continuing to move forward. The tender process for the Mendoza Norte transmission line is already underway, and we are working to develop additional lines across other parts of the province, including southern Mendoza,” Sánchez Bandini added.
Companies That Submitted Financial Bids
- Distrocuyo S.A.
- Corporación del Sur
- José Cartellone Construcciones Civiles S.A.
- Rovella Carranza S.A. and Laugero Construcciones S.A.
- Da Fré / Sowic UT
- Montelectro S.A. and TECSA S.A.
About the Project: More Energy, Greater Grid Stability
The project involves an estimated initial investment of USD 51,207,660—an amount that may decrease following the submission of financial bids. It represents strategic infrastructure for the Uco Valley.
The new facilities will meet the area’s growing electricity demand, improving service quality and reliability for more than 150,000 residents while supporting the region’s productive, wine-growing, agro-industrial, and tourism development.
Additionally, the project will strengthen the security of the provincial power system, enable the integration of new energy generation capacity, and create the conditions for future 132 kV network expansions. This includes developments linked to Tunuyán and Pareditas, as well as the closure of the Uco Valley electrical ring through the Tupungato Transformer Station.
The works will also enhance system performance in the event of contingencies within the Provincial Interconnected System and consolidate transmission capacity in an area that continues to expand both productively and residentially.