Overhead power lines are a familiar sight in rural areas, but they come with drawbacks. From frustrating disruptions to potential concerns about safety or how your property looks, a simple power line can bring unexpected challenges. Could underground electrical wires be the solution to a more reliable and worry-free rural property?
Let’s talk about it.
Overhead Power Lines
Overhead power lines are the backbone of electrical distribution in many rural areas. You see them strung across poles, carrying electricity from power plants to homes and businesses.
Their widespread use is primarily due to one factor: cost. Those are significantly cheaper to install and maintain compared to burying power lines underground.
However, this cost-effectiveness comes with some drawbacks:
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Weather Vulnerability: Storms are a major headache. Especially the ongoing disastrous tornadoes that touched down in 2024. High winds, falling trees, ice buildup – these can all damage overhead lines, leading to power outages that disrupt homes and farms. Repairs can be time-consuming, especially in remote areas.
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Safety Concerns: Power lines carry high-voltage electricity, posing a risk if accidentally touched or if any equipment comes into contact with them. That is particularly worrisome around farms with machinery or in areas with frequent public activity.
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Wildlife Interactions: Birds can use power lines and poles as perches, sometimes leading to unintended contact with the wires. That can disrupt power or, sadly, cause injury or death to the animal. Larger animals occasionally interact with low-hanging lines, creating outage risks.
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Fire Risks: In wildfire-prone areas, a downed power line has a significant risk of sparking a blaze. That danger is especially concerning during dry seasons or when lines are compromised by high winds and debris.
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Visual Impact: Let’s face it, power lines and poles aren’t the most attractive additions to a scenic rural landscape. They can disrupt views and potentially impact property aesthetics.
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Maintenance Needs: Companies need to regularly inspect overhead lines to identify potential problems, which again means downtime. And in some areas, trees may need trimming to keep branches clear of the wires.
Despite their limitations, overhead power lines still make sense in many scenarios:
- Budget limitations: If the primary concern is upfront cost, overhead lines are the most economical option.
- Large, open properties: In areas with plenty of space, the visual impact of overhead lines may be less of an issue.
- Existing infrastructure: If your area already has a well-established overhead power system, switching to underground would be very costly.
Underground Power Lines
While overhead lines remain the norm, underground power lines are gaining popularity in rural areas. They offer unique advantages, especially for property owners who prioritize reliability, safety, and an uninterrupted landscape. Such as:
- Aesthetics: Underground electrical wires eliminate the tangle of wires and poles, opening up clear views and increasing the natural beauty of your property. That’s particularly appealing for scenic properties or those with the potential for development.
- Weatherproof: Since underground lines are sheltered from the elements, they’re far less susceptible to outages caused by storms, ice, or falling branches. That means fewer disruptions for your home, farm, or business, saving you both hassle and potential financial losses due to downtime.
- Safe even underwater: Specialized underground cables can be safely submerged in water.
- Safety First: With no overhead lines, the risk of accidental contact is virtually eliminated. That is especially important near playgrounds, areas with water features, or any locations where people or farm equipment may come close to power lines.
- Long-Term Value: While underground installation initially costs more than overhead lines, see this as an investment. Increased reliability means avoiding costs associated with outages and storm repairs. Improved aesthetics can even boost property value and make your land more attractive to potential buyers.
When is the Right Time to Invest in Underground Electrical Wires?
While overhead lines might seem the default, there are times when choosing underground power makes practical and financial sense. Here’s when to consider this upgrade:
- New Developments: Starting with underground infrastructure creates a more attractive, reliable, and ultimately more valuable community. You’ll avoid potential future costs and disruptions associated with switching from overhead.
- Focus on Beauty: If preserving an unobstructed view and the natural aesthetic of your land is important, underground lines are great. That increases enjoyment of your property now, and potentially its resale value down the line.
- Weather Worries: In areas where storms frequently disrupt power, underground lines minimize outages and their associated costs. Reliability is essential for farms, businesses, and anyone who relies on consistent power.
- Prioritizing Safety: If your property has areas with increased risk (playgrounds, water features, locations with machinery), going underground removes the overhead power line hazard, providing greater peace of mind.
- Aging Overhead Infrastructure: If you live in an area with older overhead lines that are due for frequent repairs or replacement, it might be the perfect time to explore switching to the more reliable long-term underground system.
- Environmental Considerations: In some eco-sensitive areas, underground lines should be preferred or even might be required by law to reduce potential risks to wildlife.
- Subdivision or Large Property Development: Even if not building an entire community, dividing a large property into multiple lots is an excellent time to consider shared underground power. It keeps views open for all lots and increases overall property value.
- Remote Locations: Sometimes, the expense of extending and maintaining overhead lines to a remote home or farm outweighs the higher upfront cost of an underground system directly to your property. If that’s the case with you, choose underground electric wires.
Invest in Your Land: Partner with Sturdy Power Lines
The benefits of underground electrical lines are worth considering – increased reliability, enhanced safety, and the potential to improve your property’s value.
If you’re thinking about renovating your existing property or you want to start a new project, Sturdy Power Lines is here to help you understand if this solution is right for you.
We offer personalized consultations to discuss your property’s needs, assess the feasibility of underground installation, and explore the potential advantages for your unique situation.
Get in touch to learn more.