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).
Low – does not require maintenance
Moderate/High – depends on extent to which utilities implement undergrounding
High – engagement with utilities can be conducted incrementally and to varying degrees
Lack of interest from utilities and/or pushback from utilities given the high capital costs of undergrounding
Ensure that engagement with utilities include equity considerations and encourage utilities to prioritize investment equitably.