[BC] Power transmission methodologies

[Dave Dunsmoor]

> Speaking as someone who works in the electric utility
> industry and lurks on this list,  I have to defend the
> public power business.
>
> We spend lots of time and money not only meeting the
> increased environmental regulations (that the public wants)
> but also meeting our uptime goals... keeping the lights
> ...
> Chris Howard



Chris, could you speak to the issue of burying (on not) utility lines
instead of continually putting poles up again, and again, and again?

This is something that has puzzled/bothered me for a long time and
I've never received what I consider a satisfactory answer from any
of the electrical folks that I posed this question to.

Current example is the aftermath of the snowstorm that waltzed
through the Midwest last week. I've always wondered what on earth
would make someone want to place power lines up in the air when
they could be safely buried, and stay there, Snow, ice and wind would
have no effect forever.

Is this a lineman's union kind of thing, a "we've always done it this way"
kind of thing, what?

I (think I) seem to recall someone on this list from overseas once
commenting on the antique ways we have of running power over hear. 
Truthfully, it reminds me of 1890's New York with all the poles and 
lines running everywhere. I would think we really could do better by now.

Thanks in advance for your insight(s). I'm sure there are many here who
would be interested in a discussion on this topic.

Dave Dunsmoor