EVN has begun construction of the 500 kV Son La–Lai Chau transmission line. It will connect the 1,200 MW Lai Chau hydropower plant and other small-hydro power plants located in the country’s north-western region to the national grid. The project that involves development of the Son La–Lai Chau double-circuit line and extension of the 500 kV Son La substation is estimated to cost around 4 trillion dong. The 158 km line will pass through the northern mountainous provinces of Son La, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau. The entire project is expected to be completed by early 2016.