Why Don’t We Underground All Our Lines?

Electricity is essential to modern life, powering homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The visible web of overhead power lines is everywhere in urban and rural landscapes. While undergrounding power lines may seem appealing to enhance aesthetics and reduce vulnerability to weather-related outages, various challenges and considerations make this issue complex.

Cost Implications. One of the primary reasons we don’t underground all of our power lines is the high cost associated with a massive infrastructure overhaul. Excavating and burying power lines involves significant expenses, including labor, materials, and specialized equipment, and those costs are passed on to customers. Depending on the location, undergrounding power lines can cost up to 40% more than an overhead build, equating to about $200,000 per mile.

Maintenance and Repairs. While underground power lines are less susceptible to weather-related damage, they present unique challenges regarding maintenance and repairs. Locating and accessing faulty sections can be time-consuming and expensive, requiring specialized equipment. Unlike overhead lines, which are readily visible, underground faults may be harder to detect and take longer to repair.

Environmental Impact. The excavation process of undergrounding can disrupt ecosystems. Balancing the desire for an aesthetically pleasing landscape with environmental considerations is a complex challenge.

Land Use and Space Constraints. In urban areas, undergrounding power lines may be constrained by limited available space and competing land uses. Space for utilities is often shared with other infrastructure within a right of way, such as water and sewer lines, making it challenging to allocate sufficient room for underground power lines.

Long Implementation Timelines. Implementing a widespread transition from overhead to underground power lines is time-consuming. It requires careful planning, regulatory approvals, and coordination with various stakeholders. The extended timelines can have an impact, especially when looking for more immediate solutions to power grid reliability.

As overhead lines come due for replacement, Central Lincoln evaluates whether to rebuild the overhead line or move it underground. Common trouble spots and difficult-to-access terrain are criteria used to select locations. Wildfire risk is another major consideration. In 2024, Central Lincoln will be working to underground large sections of lines in Yachats, South Beach, Florence, and Lakeside areas.

While these projects will improve reliability and reduce vulnerability to weather-related events for customers, the numerous challenges of undergrounding power lines will continue to make additional projects complex. Striking a balance between cost, technology, environmental impact, and practicality is crucial in determining the feasibility of transitioning from overhead to underground power lines on a large scale.