Next on the block for privatization are Enel s two hydroelectric facilities and four thermal plants. The transmission line grid will remain in state hands. Once the privatizations are complete, there may be room for U.S. investors to sell new generating capacity to the distributor. U.S. geothermal enterprises have actively explored the market. Two U.S. companies already generate electricity for Enel.
Telecommunications is another area of upcoming investment opportunity.
The fixed-line telephone monopoly is again due for privatization in 2001. Previous privatization efforts have fallen through, because there weren't enough bidders or the bid prices did not reach the government's minimum level for selling the company. This is a large potential market. There are three phone lines per hundred residents. In Panama there are 16 per 100.