Re:Can anyone explain the economics of .... (Score 1)

Can anyone explain the economics of the current line/poll implementation? Why aren't lines buried to be less obtrusive, better insulated, and non-problematic in ice storms? One of the primary reasons to have power lines above ground is access. Anytime you have construction in an area underground utilities become a very big pain in the ass. They have to be located and excavated around manaully in a very slow and expensive process than maintained while work goes on around them. That being said most new installations in urban areas (the last mile so to speak) are below ground(usually under the sidewalk/curb)and above ground poles are used in rural areas where the footprint of the power line is cheap and available. It is also far easier to increase capacity for power lines on poles as well as add telecommunications when needed. As for ice storms breaking above ground power lines an idiot with a backhoe can do a lot more damage do any buried utility and take far longer to fix. So the big reason power poles are used is access before, during and after construction.