The Distribution System Operator (OSSH) in Shkodra opened a tender on Tuesday with a ceiling fund of 449 million lek (more than EUR 4.5 million) for the construction of the new 35 kV Bogë–Theth transmission line.

The investment aims to improve electricity supply in one of the fastest-growing tourist areas in northern Albania, where the existing network relies on a 6 kV line built in the 1970s, stretching more than 40 kilometers and experiencing significant voltage losses.

According to the technical project, the new line will start from the Bogë substation and end near Fushë-Theth. It will be approximately 17.5 kilometers long and supported by around 95 steel poles, designed to 110 kV standards but initially operating at 35 kV.

The project also includes the installation of a 48-fiber optical cable along the entire route, providing additional infrastructure for network communications and control.

The investment precedes the construction of a new 35/6 kV substation in Theth, which is expected to increase distribution capacity and support the expansion of hotels, guesthouses and tourism-related businesses in the Albanian Alps.

OSSH expects the new line to significantly reduce power outages. According to the technical report, the average outage duration index (SAIDI) is projected to fall from 85.22 hours to 8.5 hours, while the outage frequency index (SAIFI) is expected to decrease from 18.97 to 1.8 once the investment is completed.

In addition to improving supply reliability, the transition from 6 kV to 35 kV is expected to reduce network losses and create sufficient capacity to meet the growing electricity demand driven by tourism development in Theth and the surrounding areas.