Putting power lines underground

Would putting power lines underground avoid hurricanes knocking out electricity service for millions of people? The answer is not as straightforward as it seems. When it comes to electricity, people turn their attention to the power lines overhead and wonder if their electricity service might be more secure if those lines were buried underground.

But having studied this question for utilities and regulators, I can say the answer is not that straightforward. Undergrounding is the replacement of overhead cables providing electrical power or telecommunications, with underground cables.

While the costs and electricity use are higher, installing power lines underground would prevent electrocution deaths and electric shock injuries.

While FPL bears the cost of installing traditional power lines , customers must pay the cost of putting them underground.

The high cost is why the undergrounding projects are primarily in high-income areas. FPL confirmed other projects are completed or ongoing in Jupiter Inlet Colony and Gulfstream as well as Jupiter Island . We purchased our house years ago because it had underground power and then with the widening of the street in front of our house the power company had to put in poles with overhead lines. Established standard design and construction practices are to place such lines overhead.

Unless undergrounding is justified by physical constraints, the utility would . Installing an underground power line . Would underground power lines help prevent power outages during hurricanes? A Sun Sentinel editorial notes that rich Florida cities are putting power lines underground. Efforts to move power lines underground often ignore that the cost to convert overhead lines to underground lines at five to times that of comparable overhead construction using wood poles.

Our network is made up of both overhead powerlines and underground cables. See what factors are considered when determining the type of construction to be used. Energy provider to London and the South East - Wide range of services to eight million customers - Find out more about services from UK Power Networks!

Apply easily for lots of our services such as connecting or moving an electricity supply or covering overhead power lines. Idaho Power usually installs power lines above ground (also called overhead lines). San Francisco has long recognized that overhead utilities degrade our city.

This is the most cost-effective for customers. Letter writer says it would take decades of non-stop work to replace overhead lines. But any company that will even let you bury near . It can cost up to ten times more to bury power lines than to put them up above groun according to CNN. This page deals with high-voltage underground cables. Underground cables at lower voltages are covered in the pages on distribution.

England and Wales is underground , mainly in urban areas or areas of great scenic beauty. Affidavit or Inspection for the meter socket needs to be submitted to the Builders Call Line.