Federal power company Eletrobras Furnas is not moving fast enough to modernize its power grid and related systems, a spokesperson for Brazilian utility sector regulator Aneel told BNamericas.

“Furnas has been postponing the modernization of its power transmission network and protection systems,” the spokesperson said, commenting on a November blackout that affected a large part of Brazil.

Aneel responded by fining federal power company Furnas 53.7mn reais (US$29.5mn), the spokesperson confirmed.

The amount represents 0.81% of Furnas revenue in the December 2008 to November 2009 period, according to Aneel.

Eighteen states were left in the dark during the November 10 blackout that was attributed to a failure on transmission lines coming out of the Itaipu hydro plant.

Authorities blamed extreme adverse conditions and a malfunction in the grid protection system for the power outage.

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