Wiktor Wise
Burying power lines, also known as undergrounding, is a topic that often comes up after hurricanes, wildfires, or other natural disasters that cause power outages. While undergrounding can protect power lines from wind, fire, ice, and falling trees, it comes with a hefty price tag. Burying power lines can cost upwards of $1 million per mile, and the process is made even more difficult in heavily developed areas where internet cables, sewer pipes, and natural gas lines are already underground. Additionally, underground power lines are not immune to natural disasters and can be damaged by flooding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1 million per mile |
| Time | 25 years to complete |
| Electricity rate increase | 125% |
| Safety | Reduced risk of electrocution and electric shock |
| Reliability | Reduced outages |
| Repair | More time and resources required |
| Flooding | Increased risk |
| Aesthetics | More visually appealing |
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What You'll Learn
- Burying power lines is expensive, with costs passed on to customers
- Underground power lines are more susceptible to flood damage
- Underground cables are harder to access and repair
- Burying lines may not solve the problem, simply shifting the risk of damage
- It is difficult to bury lines in heavily developed areas
Burying power lines is expensive, with costs passed on to customers
Burying power lines is expensive, and the costs are ultimately passed on to customers. The process, known as "undergrounding", costs approximately US$1 million per mile, but this figure can be halved or tripled depending on the geography and population density of the service area. For example, a disaster preparedness task force in North Carolina found that burying the state's entire power distribution system would cost $41 billion, increasing average residential customer bills by 125%.
In Texas, the city of Austin's municipal utility, Austin Energy, reported that burying power lines would cost $56 billion, more than ten times what it cost to run its system in 2021. Burying power lines can also lead to higher expenses for homeowners, who may need to install different electrical equipment to accommodate new connections.
The high cost of undergrounding is often cited as the primary reason why power lines are not buried, with utilities and regulators concerned about providing good value for their customers. While burying power lines can provide benefits such as improved safety, reliability, and aesthetics, the cost is often seen as prohibitive.
Additionally, underground power lines are not without their drawbacks. They can be subject to flood damage, and repairs can be more complicated and time-consuming, requiring disruptive digging and specialized equipment.
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Underground power lines are more susceptible to flood damage
Burying power lines, or "undergrounding", is a topic that has been extensively studied by utilities and regulators. While it has its benefits, it is not a straightforward solution. One of the primary disadvantages of underground power lines is their susceptibility to flood damage.
Underground power lines are more vulnerable to damage from water incursion driven by storm surges or flooding. Areas with a high risk of flooding will likely face less reliable systems and higher costs due to underground power lines. For example, the state of Florida experienced extensive damage from Hurricane Irma, and while underground power lines could have provided more resilience against wind damage, they would have made flooding a bigger concern.
In the case of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, power systems failed, leaving over 80% of customers without electricity. While burying power lines might seem like a solution, it is essential to consider the specific risks in an area. If a region is prone to storm surges and flooding, above-ground power lines may be a more suitable option, along with regular tree trimming to prevent branches from falling on the lines.
The decision to bury power lines must also consider the costs involved. Burying power lines can be extremely expensive, with estimates ranging from $1 million per mile to over $56 billion for larger projects. These costs are ultimately passed on to consumers through increased electricity rates, which can be a significant financial burden.
In conclusion, while burying power lines can provide some benefits, it is important to recognize that it shifts the risk of damage from wind events to an increased vulnerability to flood damage. The decision to bury power lines must be evaluated based on the specific risks and costs associated with each location, ensuring that customers receive good value for their investment in a safe and reliable electricity service.
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Underground cables are harder to access and repair
Burying power lines, also known as "undergrounding", is a costly endeavour. The cost of burying power lines is approximately US$1 million per mile, but the geography and population density of the service area can significantly impact this figure. For example, the project cost for burying just a quarter of Oncor Electric's 90,178 miles of overhead lines was estimated to be around $56 billion, which is more than ten times the cost of running its system in 2021. Burying power lines also requires the involvement and buy-in of multiple stakeholders at the state and municipal levels, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.
While burying power lines can provide certain benefits such as improved safety, reduced electrical injuries, and fewer power outages due to wind damage, there are also challenges associated with underground cables. One significant challenge is the difficulty in accessing and repairing underground cables. When there is an issue with an underground cable, locating the exact spot of the malfunction can be challenging and time-consuming. Repairs often require disruptive digging, and this process can be further hindered by frozen soils, floodwaters, or other natural disasters such as hurricanes.
The identification of faults in underground cables has been made easier with the development of smart grid technology, which can pinpoint the location of disruptions. However, accessing and repairing these faults can still be a complex and time-consuming process, requiring significant disruption to the surrounding area. In some cases, it may not be physically possible to install underground equipment due to geographical constraints, such as high water tables or rocky subsoils.
Additionally, underground cables are more susceptible to flooding, and there is a risk of unintentional severing of cables during digging or construction work. Underground cables also face challenges with corrosion, which can shorten their lifespan compared to above-ground cables. Routine maintenance of underground cables is more difficult and time-consuming, and service restoration can take longer due to the challenges of locating and accessing the cables.
While burying power lines can provide benefits in terms of safety and reliability, the challenges and costs associated with accessing and repairing underground cables are significant factors that need to be carefully considered. The decision to bury power lines requires a comprehensive evaluation of the costs, benefits, and feasibility, taking into account the specific geographical and environmental factors of the service area.
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Burying lines may not solve the problem, simply shifting the risk of damage
Burying power lines is expensive, requiring the involvement of many stakeholders and may not solve the problem of power outages. The cost of burying power lines is approximately $1 million per mile, but the geography or population density of the service area can halve or triple this cost. For example, the city of Austin, Texas, considered burying its power lines but the project would have cost $56 billion, more than ten times what it cost to run the system in 2021. Burying power lines would also require the buy-in of multiple stakeholders at the state and municipal levels.
While burying power lines would protect them from wind, fire, ice, and tree branches, it would also make flooding a bigger concern. Underground power lines are not completely safe from natural disasters, as they can flood, and digging or other construction can damage the lines. Burying power lines can also be more disruptive to the environment, as vegetation must be cleared to allow for construction and vehicular access, and soil compaction can limit biodiversity.
In addition, underground power lines can be more difficult to repair and maintain. When something goes wrong, it can be easier and faster to find and repair a problem with an above-ground power line than to locate and dig up the exact spot of an underground malfunction, especially in frozen soils or floodwaters. Underground power lines can also be more susceptible to corrosion and may not last as long as their above-ground counterparts.
Therefore, burying power lines may not solve the problem of power outages, simply shifting the risk of damage from above-ground to below-ground.
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It is difficult to bury lines in heavily developed areas
Burying power lines, also known as "undergrounding", is a costly endeavour that requires the involvement of numerous stakeholders. The cost of burying power lines can be more than ten times higher than that of above-ground power lines, which is a significant increase. The cost of burying power lines is influenced by factors such as geography and population density, and it can increase even further when dealing with heavily developed areas.
In heavily developed areas, there are often intricate networks of internet cables, sewer pipes, and natural gas lines already in place underground. This makes it challenging to find space for power lines and increases the risk of accidentally damaging existing infrastructure during construction. The process of burying power lines can be disruptive to the environment and local habitats, and it may require the clearance of vegetation to allow for construction and access.
Additionally, underground power lines are not without their own set of risks. They are more susceptible to flooding, which can cause significant damage, especially in floodplains where electricity and water do not mix safely. Underground lines are also more challenging to access and repair, as locating the exact spot of a malfunction can be time-consuming and may require disruptive digging.
The high cost of burying power lines in heavily developed areas is often a significant barrier. The city or relevant authority would need to take on a substantial amount of debt to fund such a project, and these costs would ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher electricity bills.
While burying power lines can provide benefits in terms of safety and resilience to wind damage, the challenges and costs associated with doing so in heavily developed areas cannot be overlooked. It is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of all factors, including the potential impact on the environment, infrastructure, and the financial burden on consumers.
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Frequently asked questions
Burying electric lines is expensive, with estimates ranging from $1 million per mile to ten times the cost of overhead power cables. The cost would ultimately be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher utility bills.
Burying electric lines would make the electricity service more resilient to wind damage and eliminate the risk of electrocution from downed power wires. It would also improve the aesthetics of crowded streets.
Underground electric lines are more susceptible to flooding and can be damaged by digging or construction. They are also harder to locate and repair than overhead lines.
Yes, alternatives such as proper vegetation management practices, replacing wooden utility poles with steel or concrete poles, and reinforcing utility poles with guy wires can help prevent power outages.
Yes, electric lines are typically buried underground in the downtown areas of big cities, where there is limited space and a need to keep sidewalks clear.
