Why Are My Power Lines Overhead or Underground?

Have you ever looked up at power lines on your street, or noticed they’re not there at all, and wondered why?

Why do some neighbourhoods have overhead wires while others have everything buried underground?

And maybe you’ve even asked yourself: Is one better than the other?

Let’s dig into it.

Overhead vs Underground: What’s the Difference?

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Overhead power lines

These are the power lines that you will see strung between poles along streets. They’re easy to spot above and very common, especially in older parts of London.

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Underground power lines

As the name suggests, these are buried below ground. You won’t see poles or wires in areas with underground systems. Most new subdivisions are built this way.

Why Some Areas Have Overhead Lines

Overhead lines have been the go-to for decades, and for good reason:

• They’re more affordable. It costs much less to put up poles and string wires than to dig trenches and bury cables.
• They’re easier to fix. When something goes wrong, our crews can usually see the problem right away and make repairs quickly.
• They’re faster to install. Overhead systems can be built quickly, which is especially helpful when expanding service or restoring power after a storm.

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Of course, there are some downsides:

• They’re exposed to the weather. Wind, ice, and falling trees can damage the lines and cause outages.
• They’re more visible. Not everyone likes the look of poles and wires in front of their home.

Why Some Areas Have Underground Lines

Newer developments often have underground systems, which come with their own advantages.

• They perform better in storms. Buried cables are protected from the elements so there’s less risk of weather-related outages.
• They look cleaner.  No poles, no wire. Just open sky and uncluttered streetscapes.
• They usually last longer. Underground cables aren’t exposed to harsh weather, which helps extend their lifespan.

But there are trade-offs here, too:

• They’re more expensive to install. Digging, materials, and restoration work all add up.
• They take longer to repair. When there’s an issue, it’s harder to locate and fix it, amd often means digging to access the lines.
• They can disrupt roads and landscaping. Installing or repairing underground lines can mean temporary road closures or sidewalk work.

Why Your Neighbourhood Has One or the Other

A few main factors determine what type of system your area has:

• When it was built. Older parts of London usually have overhead lines because that was the standard at the time. Newer neighbourhoods tend to have underground systems.
• Local conditions. In some areas, burying cables just isn’t practical due to soil conditions or existing infrastructure.
• Cost. Converting from overhead to underground is a major construction project. It is costly, complex, and time-consuming.

The Bottom Line

Whether your power lines are overhead or underground depends mostly on when your neighbourhood was built and what made the most sense at the time. Overhead lines are more visible and easier to maintain, while underground lines are hidden and better protected from storms. Both serve the same purpose: keeping electricity flowing safely and reliably to your home. 

So next time you look up and see wires, or don’t, you’ll know there is a story behind it, shaped by history, planning, and the needs of your community.