ABSTRACT This paper presents a metaheuristic approach to solve the transmission network expansion planning (TNEP) problem considering non-conventional solution candidates. The TNEP consists on finding the set of new elements required in a power system to meet a given future demand at a minimum cost. The TNEP traditionally considers as candidate solutions the addition of new lines and transformers. The main contribution of this work is the inclusion of non-conventional solution candidates. Such non-conventional solution candidates are namely: repowering of existing circuits and reactive shunt compensation. Also, an AC modeling of the network that allows obtaining more realistic results than the traditional DC model has been considered. The TNEP is represented by means of a non linear mixed integer programming problem which is solved through a hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA). Several tests were performed on two benchmark power systems to show the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach.