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LA County Fights Telecoms to Bury Wires
19 Nov
Summary
- Officials want power lines buried to prevent future wildfire damage.
- Southern California Edison is burying lines, but telecom firms refuse.
- Undergrounding is more expensive but offers long-term safety benefits.
Following devastating wildfires, Los Angeles County is intensifying efforts to move power lines underground. Supervisors voted to direct county officials to file a formal complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission against telecom companies that are refusing to join the undergrounding initiative. Southern California Edison is already relocating 40 miles of electrical lines underground in areas like Topanga Canyon and along Pacific Coast Highway.
Despite Edison's participation, some telecommunication providers are unwilling to move their equipment, leaving poles in place even after power lines are removed. This shared infrastructure poses a problem, as all parties must agree for the poles to be dismantled. Officials highlight past incidents, like the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, where downed poles and wires obstructed evacuation routes.
While installing lines underground is more expensive than overhead poles, officials emphasize the critical long-term benefits of increased resilience and safety. Residents in areas like Rambla Pacifico have expressed support, citing improved service reliability, aesthetics, and reduced long-term costs. The county aims to reach an agreement with the companies before escalating the matter to the state commission.
