Why burying power lines is an effective, but very expensive way to prevent wildfires
Publishing timestamp: 2023-10-21 09:00:02
Summary
PG&E, the largest utility in the US, is making progress on its goal to move 10,000 miles of power lines in fire-prone areas underground. This move would significantly reduce the risk of ignition from wildfires. While the undergrounding of power lines comes at a steep cost, PG&E believes it is necessary to ensure grid safety. The utility has already undergrounded 350 miles of power lines this year and more than 600 miles since 2021. However, the cost of the project, which could be in the tens of billions, would be borne by PG&E's customers, who already face high rates. There are alternative proposals that involve insulating lines instead of undergrounding, which would be cheaper but less effective in reducing wildfire risk. The California Public Utilities Commission will vote on the plan in November.
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Keywords: technology, climate, electric utilities, pacific gas and electric co, california, environment, hawaii, electric power transmission and distribution, pg&e corp, business news, energy, utilities, wildfires, electric power generation, fires, california wildfires, video first,