Provided By MZ Data Products

For the month of April, 2006

Commission File Number 1-14668

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

Form 20-F ___X___ Form 40-F _______

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes _______ No ___X____

COMPANHIA PARANAENSE DE ENERGIA - COPEL
Corporate Taxpayers’ ID (CNPJ) 76.483.817/0001 -20
PUBLICLY-HELD COMPANY
CVM Registration 1431 - 1

EXTRACT OF THE MINUTES OF THE 76^{T H} EXTRAORDINARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

1. VENUE: Rua Coronel Dulcídio nº 800, Curitiba - PR. 2. DATE AND TIME: April 17, 2006 – at 2:00 pm 3. PRESIDING BOARD: João Bonifácio Cabral Júnior - Chairman; Rubens Ghilardi – Executive Secretary. 4. DELIBERATIONS:

I. authorized, by unanimous vote, the acquisition, by Copel, of El Paso’s stake (60%) in UEG Araucária Ltda. for US$ 190 million, and its submittion to the approval of the House of Representatives of the State of Paraná. Approved, also by unanimous vote, the agreement reached with Petrobrás, fixing Copel’s debt at R$ 150 million. Both cases were approved in compliance with the criteria already submitted and approved by the 74^th Extraordinary Board of Directors Meeting, held on February 13, 2006.

5. SIGNATURES: JOÃO BONIFÁCIO CABRAL JÚNIOR - Chairman; RUBENS GHILARDI – Executive Secretary; ACIR PEPES MEZZADRI; LAURITA COSTA ROSA; ROGÉRIO DE PAULA QUADROS; SÉRGIO BOTTO DE LACERDA.

The text of the Minutes of the 76th Extraordinary Meeting of Copel’s Board of Directors was drawn up in the Company’s Book #6, registered with the Board Trade of the Paraná State under # 05/095391-5, on August 8, 2005.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

COMPANHIA PARANAENSE DE ENERGIA – COPEL

By:	/S/ Rubens Ghilardi
	Rubens Ghilardi CEO and Principal Financial Officer

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These statements are statements that are not historical facts, and are based on management's current view and estimates of future economic circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results. The words "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "expects", "plans" and similar expressions, as they relate to the company, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the declaration or payment of dividends, the implementation of principal operating and financing strategies and capital expenditure plans, the direction of future operations and the factors or trends affecting financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are examples of forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. There is no guarantee that the expected events, trends or results will actually occur. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors, including general economic and market conditions, industry conditions, and operating factors. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.