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.
Related News
From Archive
- TxDOT advances massive drainage tunnel beneath I-35 in Austin
- Glenfarne Alaska LNG targets late-2026 construction start for 807-mile pipeline project
- U.S. water reuse boom to fuel $47 billion in infrastructure spending through 2035
- $2.3 billion approved to construct 236-mile Texas-to-Gulf gas pipeline
- Major water pipe break in Puerto Rico hits over 165,000 customers
- Pennsylvania American Water launches interactive map to identify, replace lead water service lines
- Trump's tariffs drive $33 million cost increase for Cincinnati sewer project
- Utah city launches historic $70 million tunnel project using box jacking under active rail line
- Tulsa residents warned after sewer lines damaged by boring work
- Fatal trench collapse halts sewer construction in Massachusetts; two workers hospitalized
Comments