Electric Transmission Construction

Federal court denies tribes’ bid to halt $10 billion transmission line project in Arizona

A federal judge has rejected a request by Native American tribes to stop work on a $10 billion transmission line being built through a remote southeastern Arizona valley that will carry electricity from New Mexico to California.

Wisconsin’s Menominee Tribe secures funding for underground power line project

FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program has allocated $872,894 to support the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin's underground power line conversion initiative.

Colorado Springs Utilities undertakes underground power line shift post-2021 windstorm

In Colorado Springs, efforts are underway by Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to relocate power lines underground after identifying susceptibility during a windstorm in 2021.

California regulators greenlight program to accelerate electric infrastructure undergrounding

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has introduced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the undergrounding of electric distribution infrastructure across the state. This program, mandated by Senate Bill (SB) 884, targets increased system resilience and climate adaptation.

Conservation groups sue to stop a transmission line from crossing a Mississippi River refuge

A coalition of conservation groups filed a last-minute federal lawsuit to halt plans for building a 102-mile transmission line that would link Iowa’s Dubuque County and Wisconsin’s Dane County, crossing through a Mississippi River wildlife refuge.

Consumers Energy to bury electric lines in six Michigan counties

Consumers Energy has announced the approval of a targeted undergrounding pilot program by the Michigan Public Service Commission. With a $3.7 million investment, the company plans to bury 10 miles of overhead power lines within the next year.

I&M commences reconstruction of underground power line in Muncie, Ind.

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) representatives plan to start construction next week to rebuild an aging underground power line along Tillotson Avenue in Muncie.

Underground electric cable replacement program in Geneva, Ill., to bolster service reliability

The city of Geneva, Illinois, is set to improve the reliability of its electric service by undertaking an underground cable replacement project slated to commence in March.

Austin Energy's distribution system undergoes assessment for underground feasibility

Twin independent studies by engineering firm Burns & McDonnell will begin in March 2024 to assess the underground feasibility and overhead resiliency of Austin Energy’s distribution system.

New York State OKs $57.8 million underground transmission line linking Nanuet to West Nyack

The New York State Public Service Commission has greenlit a $57.8 million project to install a new underground transmission line spanning approximately five-and-one-half miles between the Burns substation and the West Nyack Substation in the town of Clarkstown, New York.

OPALCO invests in underground power lines project in Washington's Doe Bay area

OPALCO has commenced a project to relocate overhead power lines to an underground system, covering the (temporary) Doe Bay bridge to the Eagle Lake intersection in Washington.

DOE awards $34 million for advancing underground power line technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded $34 million for 12 projects across 11 states to strengthen and modernize America’s aging power grid through the development of cost-effective, high-speed, and safe undergrounding technologies.

Greenville, S.C., residents eligible for $3,000 power line burial support from Duke Energy

In a collaborative effort, Duke Energy and Greenville, S.C. introduced the POWER ON initiative, aiming to assist homeowners in burying their power lines and ensuring a reliable energy supply.

PG&E hits milestone with 600 miles of underground powerlines, reducing wildfire risk for 20 counties

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has constructed and energized more than 600 miles of underground powerlines since its ambitious 10,000-mile undergrounding program started in mid-2021, the company announced on Dec. 20.

San Diego's North Park neighborhood celebrates undergrounding of power lines

(UI) — The North Park neighborhood in San Diego, Calif., recently celebrated a significant milestone as it witnessed the removal of overhead power lines from their community.

Oregon power company to pay nearly $300 million to settle latest lawsuit over 2020 wildfires

Electricity utility PacifiCorp will pay $299 million to settle a lawsuit brought by about 220 customers who were harmed by devastating wildfires in southern Oregon in 2020.

California approves PG&E rate increase to underground power lines for wildfire prevention

About 16 million Californians will experience an average monthly bill increase of over $32 in the coming year as Pacific Gas & Electric raises rates to bury 2,100 miles of power lines, aiming to minimize wildfire risks.

New York Transco's $1.4 billion power line plan receives state nod

(UI) — New York Transco has received the green light from New York State's utilities regulator on Thursday for three transmission projects. As part of this comprehensive project, the developer plans to introduce three new underground cables linking Long Island to the broader state.

Manhattan Beach, Calif., resumes underground utility line project after two-year hiatus

(UI) — In a significant development, the underground utility line project in Manhattan Beach is set to continue, following its suspension in 2021. The city has stepped in to support the endeavor, which will involve burying power, cable, internet, and phone lines for homes and buildings in two northern Manhattan Beach neighborhoods.

Maui's wildfire tragedy ignites calls for safer electric grids with underground power lines

Lawmakers probing the cause of last month's deadly Maui wildfire did not get many answers during Thursday's congressional hearing on the role the electrical grid played in the disaster.

PG&E initiates underground power line placement in Magalia, Calif.

(UI) — In Magalia, a significant transformation is underway as power lines are being placed underground. While the current cost of burying power lines is approximately $3.75 million per mile, PG&E anticipates a reduction to about $2.8 million per mile by 2026. The utility company asserts that despite the expense, the advantages of underground lines in high fire-risk areas are abundant.

Mandan and MDU partner to bury power lines along North Dakota highway

(UI) — Mandan officials are collaborating with Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU) to enhance North Dakota's highway infrastructure by burying nearby power lines and installing an underground storm sewer.

LUMA's $180 million underground transmission overhaul receives Puerto Rico’s approval

(UI) — LUMA's $180 million project proposal intends to repair and harden important underground transmission system components whose prospective breakdowns might jeopardize the system's dependability and resilience.

PG&E gains ground on undergrounding 10,000 miles of power lines

(UI) — The largest project in the country to bury electricity lines underground is being carried out by Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and it is on target to finish this year. The utility intends to bury 10,000 miles of wires, and work on this project is progressing mile by mile and county by county.

Recent underground power line explosions in San Francisco raise concerns, safety assurances remain

(UI) — A San Francisco neighborhood has experienced significant problems as a result of an underground explosion and subsequent fire for at least the second time in less than three months.

PG&E plans to move power lines underground along Highway 89 in California

(UI) — In the upcoming months, the Plumas County power lines on Highway 89 between Moccasin and Indian Falls will be relocated underground by the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).

NextEra Energy subsidiary FPL starts moving power underground in Coral Gables, Fla.

(UI) — More than 100 city officials and employees of Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) gathered in a neighborhood in Coral Gables, Fla., to officially start a long-awaited project: the undergrounding of electricity lines in the area as part of FPL's Storm Safe Underground Program.

Luna Innovations wins fiber optic monitoring system contract for major U.S. clean energy project

Luna’s technology will provide temperature, depth of burial, and acoustic monitoring for the power cables that form the backbone of the system. The monitoring services will help ensure safe, efficient delivery of renewable, reliable, low-cost power over the area’s 300-mile transmission line.