When it comes to fighting climate change and transitioning to electric vehicles and appliances, the United States requires an extensive network of new power lines. Utilities argue that stringing lines between power poles is the most cost-effective and efficient way to expand the grid. According to Mark Cloud, a government affairs manager for Southern California Edison, above-ground transmission lines are generally superior to below-ground ones in terms of cost-effectiveness, maintenance ease, and longevity.
However, the devastating wildfires caused by above-ground power lines in places like Paradise, Lahaina, and Puerto Rico, combined with the increasing risk due to climate change, have led to calls for the burying of power lines underground. Neighborhood groups and President Joe Biden advocate for this safety measure, despite acknowledging the higher cost associated with it. Nevertheless, the debate continues in Riverside County, where conflicting interests over a transmission project have emerged, pitting homeowners against business groups, neighboring cities against each other, and city leaders against Edison. The outcome of this debate may indicate the direction our electrified world is heading.
The city of Riverside has been advocating for a second connection to the regional electric grid for over two decades. To address this need, Edison has proposed the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project, which would bring power to Riverside through a 9.3-mile stretch of high-voltage wires. The controversy lies in whether these wires should be strung between new poles and towers along the riverbank, reaching heights of up to 180 feet, or if they should be buried underground instead. Norco plans to ask the Public Utilities Commission to mandate burying the project underground, citing concerns over fire risks, views, and property values. Edison opposes this change, arguing that the benefits do not outweigh the increased costs for all customers.
The already existing underground distribution lines in California account for one-third of the total length, and it has been a common practice in urban and scenic areas to ensure safety and preserve aesthetics. The California Public Utilities Commission has recommended undergrounding new projects whenever possible since the 1960s. However, Edison maintains that above-ground lines are more reliable and affordable for the Riverside Transmission Reliability Project. They argue that above-ground lines are easier to locate and repair, resulting in shorter outages. Additionally, above-ground lines are not subject to the same risks associated with changes in the water table near the Santa Ana River. Industry figures suggest that underground projects can cost five to ten times more than above-ground projects. Proponents of Edison’s plan argue that it is the most rational and cost-effective approach to meet the growing demand for electricity.
On the other hand, proponents of burying the lines argue that underground lines experience fewer outages, especially during high wind events. They also contend that building above-ground systems in an area prone to strong winds and wildfires poses too many risks and drawbacks. Given these opposing viewpoints, the Riverside City Council meeting saw residents expressing their support for both options. However, those in favor of burying the lines emphasized the superiority of underground transmission lines in terms of safety and drew from their experience in the electric business.
Currently, four miles of the 9.3-mile Riverside Transmission Reliability Project are set to be underground due to a lawsuit filed by Jurupa Valley. This lawsuit claimed that above-ground lines would negatively impact property values and residents’ views. Jurupa Valley’s concerns were taken into account, and the California Public Utilities Commission approved the plan to bury these four miles of power lines. Now, Norco intends to file a petition urging the commission to require Edison to bury the remaining 5.3 miles of power lines in the project, including the picturesque portion along its northeastern border.
Moreover, there is a debate over fire risk. Norco Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Bash points out the beauty of the Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, which would be affected if the Riverside project proceeds with above-ground lines. He recalls a fire that broke out in the riverbed three years ago and endangered numerous homes. Although the cause was suspected to be a homeless camp, the incident highlighted the susceptibility of the area to fire danger, especially with winds reaching up to 100 mph. Bash and others believe that underground power lines would help mitigate these risks.
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