As climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, utilities across the United States are reevaluating a straightforward but costly strategy for improving grid resilience: burying power lines underground. A Grist report examines the growing interest in undergrounding as communities face mounting disruptions from hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves, and severe storms that routinely damage overhead electrical infrastructure.
Overhead power lines have long been the standard because they are significantly cheaper and easier to install, inspect, and repair. However, they are highly vulnerable to falling trees, strong winds, ice accumulation, and wildfire ignition. As climate-related disasters become more common, the economic and social costs of prolonged power outages are increasing, prompting utilities and policymakers to consider alternatives.
Underground power lines offer several advantages. They are generally protected from wind and vegetation-related damage, reducing outage risks and improving service reliability. In wildfire-prone regions, burying lines can also lower the likelihood of electrical equipment sparking catastrophic fires. These benefits have made undergrounding an attractive option in states such as California, where utilities face growing pressure to reduce fire hazards.
The primary obstacle is cost. Installing underground transmission and distribution lines can cost several times more than building overhead systems. Expenses vary depending on terrain, population density, and existing infrastructure, but large-scale undergrounding projects often require billions of dollars in investment. Utilities must determine whether the long-term reliability benefits justify those expenditures, especially when customers ultimately bear much of the cost through electricity rates.
The article notes that many experts view undergrounding as one tool rather than a universal solution. In some locations, targeted projects focused on the most vulnerable areas may provide the greatest return on investment. Utilities are also pursuing complementary measures such as stronger poles, advanced grid monitoring technologies, vegetation management, and distributed energy resources.
As climate risks continue to grow, the debate over underground power lines highlights a broader challenge facing the energy sector: balancing affordability, reliability, and resilience while modernizing infrastructure for a more volatile future.