RATIONALISATION OF THE ELECTRICITY GRID IN THE AREA: AGREEMENT REACHED BETWEEN TERNA AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES FOR THE STRETCH BETWEEN AND

The agreement plans 10 km of new underground power lines in the municipalities of Grosio, and and demolition of 29 km of existing overhead lines between Grosio and Tirano

Rome, 7 May 2020 - After a year of work, and numerous meetings and discussions between Terna, the Province of , the Mountain Community of Tirano and the Municipalities involved, today saw a first important milestone for that marks an initial phase of dismantling around 29 km of old power lines in the area between Grosio and Tirano, following creation of an underground connection running around 10 km through the municipalities of Grosio, Grosotto and Mazzo di Valtellina. The agreement between Terna and local authorities was reached in the context of the technical forum coordinated and organised by the , which took place via video conference to overcome restrictions imposed by the current Covid-19 emergency.

Terna will soon launch further consultation with the municipalities involved to evaluate aspects for possible optimisation of the project and proceed with the authorisation process via the competent bodies. Dialogue has also begun with local areas for other stretches of the works.

Phase A of this project for rationalisation of high-voltage electricity lines in the areas of Valtellina, and Valcamonica, completed in 2017, has permitted the demolition of over 300 km of traditional power lines and creation of 180 km of underground lines to date. In February 2019, on the basis of a specific agreement between Terna, the Region of , the Province of Sondrio and local bodies, discussions began for the launch of phase B, which includes the demolition of around 480 km of lines (1,355 pylons) in the area between Valtellina and the outskirts of , following the creation of a new 380 kV power line.

“Today's meeting,” explained Giacomo Donnini, Head of Terna’s Strategy, Development and System Operation division, “represents an important milestone in our strategy of dialogue with local areas, a strategy that will certainly continue as we move forward”. We are pleased to have reached an agreement for works that will guarantee greater efficiency, safety and sustainability for the electricity grid in the area, with landscape and environmental benefits from the demolition of old lines. This is just the beginning of an important restructuring of power lines across the Valtellina area.”