this post was submitted on 20 Oct 2023
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how is insulating them any less expensive. they have machines for pushing through underground cable and it seems like a lot less work than putting insulation on the equivalent stretch of above ground given the ladder/cherry picker type stuff they would have to use.
Anything that goes underground has another layer of diligence and bureaucracy involved. You have to check that no other underground services are in the same location as your power lines, and with underground fiber, gas, and water, that's not always a given. If other services are in the same locations, then everything slows down to reduce the chances of causing damage.
Then, there's the actual costs involved with underground work. Moving a cherry picker or four along basic power lines is likely cheaper and quicker than dredging, laying, and replacing soil. That's assuming there are no driveways, permits required for roadway closures, environmental studies, and more.
thats the thing. we just had electric put underground near me and no dredging and replacing of soil was needed. this machine pushes this drill type of thing dragging the cable with it some distance. At least 40 ft but maybe more like 100. then they move it along and push it so many feet more. rinse, repeat. The machine is like the size of the machine is like a small trailer. its on two wheels and can be pulled about easily.
Were they replacing overhead lines?
That does sound like an easy and painless process. It would be cool if there’s some electric utility lurkers here to shed some light on what the true costs are
I think but the overheads are not down yet. It was pretty recent. Curiously our condo just recently had our lights replaced and they used something similar but a smaller version. It blew me away as I had not known something like that existed. Im not sure if its a realtively new technology or what but it would be great if underground became the norm.