[Spktyr]

They can, but they are much harder/more expensive to maintain. And if you get floods, power will take weeks to restore as the entire underground system has to drain before you can run electricity again.

On top of which, very high tension power lines cannot necessarily be run underground due to the need to inspect them and keep EMI/RFI radiation away from people.

[avital2]

thanks for info.

[VanDeKoik]

Its pretty funny though that the only way to get power effectively to homes is still via wires strung on wood poles.

The next billionaire can eaisly be the person that figures out a better way.

[Wuli]

“They can, but they are much harder/more expensive to maintain. “

More expensive than the billions in lawsuits that bankrupted PG&E?

Right now they are in a damned if they do and damned if they don’t situation.

Had they not shut off power, they were to be sued for some wild fire. With power shut off they will be sued for damages and harm folks suffered for not having power.

[bert]

I think there is confusion that is probably the result of general ignorance.

There at least two kinds of power lines. Those with very high voltage from the generating source switch yard to the substation with large distribution transformers, and those lines with stepped down voltage from the distribution transformers to the users.

The former are transmission lines. The latter are distribution lines.

I don't think there are any transmission lines underground. The underground lines are distributuin lines.

Further, because they can cause severe electrical shock, transmission lines are carried between elevated towers that high enough to not be affected by a blowing tree limb.

The Power company problem are the distribution lines that are routinely supported by the common 35 foot pole. These distribution lines are subject to being knocked down and to parting in high winds.

Thansmission Lines

Distribution Lines

And just for the record in the interest of combatting ignorance