Wisconsin utility to improve storm-related outages with $106 million undergrounding investment

(UI) – According to the Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR), We Energies, the state’s largest electrical utility, is proposing a $106 million investment over the next two years to bury overhead power lines and upgrade equipment to improve outage isolation and increase system automation. Currently, 45% of its lines are underground.

This is part of a $196 million proposal requiring approval from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The utility argues these investments will enhance grid reliability and reduce outage repair costs.

Other utilities are also taking measures to prevent storm-related outages. Alliant Energy spends approximately $50 million annually on burying and replacing aging power lines and $6-7 million on tree trimming.

With 7,000 miles of its 22,000-mile distribution lines underground, Alliant reports 15 times fewer outages in underground areas.

American Transmission Co. (ATC) has different practices, with only 70 miles of its 10,000-mile system underground due to the thicker transmission lines. ATC focuses on routine vegetation management to prevent outages, managing vegetation on 1,500 to 2,200 miles of lines annually.

This story was originally reported by Wisconsin Public Radio.

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