Whether you are on a zoning commission or a builder submitting plans for a proposed subdivision, there are several things to be considered. When it comes to utility and power cables, there is growing interest in running them underground. If you are on the fence with this one, here are four advantages of underground cables and the reasons why so many cities are mandating their use in new developments.

1. Underground Power Cables Are Safer

Have you ever lived in a neighborhood where you suddenly lost electric? Upon calling the power company you find that there was an accident down the road and a vehicle knocked down the power pole. It will take hours to restore power, and this can be more than an inconvenience in the cold of winter or heat of summer. When cables and power lines are run underground, this would never be an issue.

2. Cheaper and Less Frequent Maintenance

Whether it is a bolt of lightning or an automobile accident, repairing that pole that was knocked down or a transformer that was hit and exploded can be expensive and time consuming. Above ground poles will deteriorate over time and replacement costs are high there as well. When running cables underground there is a much cheaper solution and construction companies are not limited to PVC or metal housing. In fact, an epoxy alternative option to PVC is lightweight, less expensive, and easier to work with as well.

3. Elimination of Unsightly Poles and Wires

Especially in cities, all those poles and wires are often an unsightly mess. Many city commissioners are banning billboards and large signage in residential areas for similar reasons. You will often notice that areas on freeways in many cities are devoid of all those mobile advertising billboards and these cities are also beginning to look at how power poles and cables can be just as unsightly. Along with being safer and cheaper to maintain, underground cables don’t mar the landscape.

4. Safer on the Environment

Another feature of today’s epoxy conduits and fittings is that they are not corrosive. This means that nothing will leech into the ground. This is a huge concern in many older areas where wires running above ground were not adequately encased and often resulted in corrosion that contaminated the local environment. As a final note to contractors and builders, because many of the newer epoxy conduits are lighter than other options, they are easier to transport and take less energy to do so, also a feature favored by environmentalists. 

These are just a few of the reasons why so many cities and contractors are beginning to work solely with underground epoxy conduits and fittings. They are safer for the environment, less prone to environmental or accidental damage and cheaper to manufacture and install. Whether new zoning laws restrict any other kind of cables, or you are a builder who wants to add extra features to your subdivision, underground cables save you money while providing benefits to the community. Environmentalists will be satisfied, and city councilors will easily approve your subdivision plans.