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Encourage utilities to bury overhead transmission and distribution lines in high risk areas (subject to high wind and winter conditions)

Details

Encourage utilities to bury overhead transmission and distribution lines to reduce downed wires and limit health and safety concerns associated with live wires, particularly in areas of new development where it is more cost-effective to implement (compared to retrofits).

Capital Cost

High

Operations & Maintenance

Low – does not require maintenance

Effectiveness

Moderate/High – depends on extent to which utilities implement undergrounding

Flexibility

High – engagement with utilities can be conducted incrementally and to varying degrees

Barriers to Implementation

Lack of interest from utilities and/or pushback from utilities given the high capital costs of undergrounding

Equity

Ensure that engagement with utilities include equity considerations and encourage utilities to prioritize investment equitably.

References