Underground Power Lines: Debunking the Myth of a Power Outage Solution

While the temptation to bury power lines to prevent power outages might seem appealing, it's far from the ideal solution. The idea is simple: underground power lines would eliminate the unsightly overhead lines that disrupt our view and safety, and thus, reduce the likelihood of power outages due to external factors. However, closer examination reveals a myriad of problems and inefficiencies that challenge this romantic notion.

Cost and Efficiency Concerns

The reality is that burying power lines is significantly more expensive than leaving them overhead. Insulated underground cable is not only more costly but also more prone to failure. When an underground cable fails, it is extremely difficult to locate the fault and repair it. This not only impacts service reliability but also contributes to higher maintenance costs.

Finding and fixing underground faults often involves trenching and excavation, which can be time-consuming and disruptive. Moreover, repairs in the underground system are more likely to fail again compared to repairs to overhead lines, leading to a vicious cycle of repeated outages and repair work.

Geographical Limitations and Soil Conditions

Another major concern is the geographical suitability for underground installations. Areas with rocky terrain or soil with high resistance are particularly challenging for burying power lines. This is because electricity propagates differently in soil, and in some cases, it may not propagate as efficiently, leading to poor power quality over long distances.

In rocky areas, the process of burying power lines would be immensely costly and complex, often requiring extensive trenching, blasting, and other heavy construction techniques. This adds to the overall burden of the project, making it not just expensive but also less feasible in many regions.

Environmental and Safety Concerns

Moreover, burying power lines brings about significant environmental and safety concerns. Consider the aesthetics of converting your residential area: the cost and disruption of installing underground lines could be prohibitive. Additionally, underground lines are more susceptible to natural disasters like flooding, which can lead to widespread outages and further complications.

Regarding high voltage lines, the prospect of erecting a 70kV line through your property raises serious concerns. Not only would this require substantial compensation and land acquisition, but the associated risks to property and safety are significant. It wouldn't just be disruptive but potentially dangerous, making the idea of burying all transmission lines a deeply questionable proposition.

Conclusion: A More Balanced Approach

Given the numerous challenges and potential downsides, the question arises: should we bury power lines to prevent power outages? The answer, in most cases, is a resounding no. While the idea of cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing power lines is tempting, the practical and economic realities make this approach impractical and potentially counterproductive.

Instead, a more balanced approach is needed, focusing on maintenance, upgrading infrastructure, and mitigating the risks of outages. This includes regular maintenance, the use of advanced technology to detect and address issues early, and strategic planning to improve grid resilience. These measures would likely be more effective and cost-efficient in preventing and minimizing power outages, while also addressing environmental and safety concerns.

Ultimately, burying power lines for the sole purpose of preventing outages is a misguided path that ignores both practical limitations and the broader costs and risks involved.