History

In details

1954

By means of Decree 14,947 as of October 26, 1954, executed by Bento Munhoz da Rocha Netto, the state government incorporated Copel - Companhia Paranaense de Energia Elétrica, and then named Companhia Paranaense de Energia on 08/14/1979. The Fundo Estadual de Eletrificação (State Fund of Electricity) was the main ground to pay in the Company's capital.

1956

Through Decree 1,412, as of 1956, Copel centralized all government efforts relative to the planning, construction and exploitation of electric power production, transmission, transformation, distribution and selling systems and its related services, having incorporated all assets, services and works that were under the responsibility of several bodies. Consequently, it became responsible for the construction of large systems of energetic integration and the hydroelectric undertakings established in the Electricity Plan of the State of Paraná.

1960

Finding a definitive solution for large scale electric power supply became Copel's greatest challenge in the 1960's.

1963

In 1963, Figueira Thermoelectric Plant (20 MW), in Norte Pioneiro, started operations, which was a key element for implementing the State Plan of Electricity, making interconnection systems available, which would benefit both North and Central regions.

1967

In 1967, Copel launched Salto Grande do Iguaçu Plant (15.6 MW), which serves the south of the state.

1970

In 1970, Julio de Mesquita Filho Plant (located in Foz do Chopim) started its operations, with a 44 MW capacity, representing an energetic redemption to southeast and west regions.

1971

In 1971, Governador Parigot de Souza Plant was launched. Initially, known as Capivari-Cachoeira, it was afterwards named after the governor Pedro Viriato Parigot de Souza, who governed Paraná between 1971 and 1973 and was Copel's CEO as well. It is the largest underground central of the southern Brazil and its capacity totals 260 MW. Upon its launching, the plant was Copel's main generating unit, as well as the largest plant operating in the southern Brazil, accounting for a crucial step in the implementation of an energetic infrastructure able to foster and speed up the development of the State of Paraná.

1980

In 1980, Governador Bento Munhoz da Rocha Neto Hydroelectric Plant was launched. Previously named Foz do Areia, the plant was named after governor Bento Munhoz da Rocha Netto, who governed Paraná between 1951 and 1955.

Its capacity totals 1,676 MW and the plant is equipped with generating units that were the largest ones in Brazil at that time. When the plant started its operations, Copel's capacity reached 2.9 billion kWh, against. 1.9 in the year before.

1990

In this period, the state faced an intense growth in the power market, requiring increasing efforts to meet the demand. New projects were prepared, highlighting the beginning of the construction works of Segredo Plant and the concession for the construction of Salto Caxias Hydroelectric plant, both consolidated in the 1990's.

1992

Governador Ney Aminthas de Barros Braga Hydroelectric Plant was launched in September 1992. Previously called Segredo Plant, it was named after governor Ney Braga, who governed Paraná twice, between 1961 and 1965 and between 1979 and 1982. Its capacity totals 1,260 MW, which reduced the State of Paraná's dependence on buying electricity from other states. Its main accomplishment was the disclosure of the first Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Brazil by a hydroelectric plant.

1999

In February 1999, Governador José Richa Hydroelectric Plant started its operations. Previously called Salto Caxias, it was named after the governor José Richa, who governed Paraná between 1983 and 1986. It is one of Copel's most important plants and its capacity totals 1,240 MW, representing a new advance towards electric power generation, bringing about positive effects to the development of the State of Paraná.

2001

The first fuel cell started operating in the South Hemisphere in order to supply Copel's Data Processing Center - CPD, in Km 3 pole, in Curitiba.

2002

The state government of Paraná announced the cancellation of Copel's privatization process, which had begun in 1998.

2004

Copel completed its 50^th anniversary on October 26. In order to celebrate this date, in addition to the ceremonies held in Paraná, Copel took part in the "Opening Bell" event, having been honored at New York Stock Exchange on November 22.

2005

Santa Clara Hydroelectric Plant was launched in the Jordão River. The first generating group's commercial generation started on July 31, increasing Copel's power system by 60 MW.

2006

Fundão Hydroelectric Plant was launched in the Jordão River. The plant's first generating group started its operations in June and the second group in August, totaling 120 MW of installed capacity.

2008

The plants belonging to Elejor (Santa Clara and Fundão) received authorization from the United Nations, becoming the first Brazilian hydroelectric plants to sell Carbon Credit Certificates.

The construction works of Mauá Hydroelectric Plant, in Tibagi River, were started.