Lovinggood on overhead versus underground

Between customer and electric power companies the question arises whether everyone would be better off if more overhead lines were buried beneath the ground.  One utility CEO, Jim Lovinggood of the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, says the answer isn’t simple, and the costs are prohibitive in today’s economy.  Writing in this month’s South Carolina Living magazine, Lovinggood said, “Without question, underground electric cables are generally protected from wind, fire, ice, falling trees, and accidents. On the other hand, finding and repairing a problem on an overhead line typically can be accomplished quicker and easier than would be the case with underground.”  As for costs, he quotes a study that projected customers’ power bills would have to double to pay for burying all electric lines.