Are the power lines of towns that are obliterated by tornadoes, ever placed underground?

Question

Whether power lines are damaged or taken down by tornadoes, hurricanes or ice storms, would it make some sense to place them underground when they do to wire and pole replacement. in some places, replacement of power lines has been done more than once. It does appear that power lines are the first infrastructure to fail and often during very cold weather. Placing power lines underground may be more costly than above ground but in areas where power lines come down every year, it must reach a point where putting the power lines has a safety and cost benefit.

Harley Drive · Accepted Answer

excellent idea, apparently the cost of the easements needed is too high, it would also help if the building codes in tornado areas prevented the use of poor quality materials like particle board, OSB, weak mortar and short nails, if the houses were bolted together or had concrete subwalls the damage would be hugely reduced

Jay · Answer

One Factor may be, that wires when put under the grounds surface, in cases of erosion would be much more dangerous to humans and animals if they came in contact with water, it would tend to electrocute everyone within the immediate area. Very high voltage like standing in a puddle of water and someone tossing in an electric cable.

Punk Rock and Minerals · Answer

Usually not
 the risk is low enough to justify them being built above ground in most cases

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Are the power lines of towns that are obliterated by tornadoes, ever placed underground?

3 Answers