A recent study revealed that burying Austin's overhead power lines is an impractical solution, with estimated costs reaching $50 billion. The analysis, commissioned after significant blackouts affected nearly 400,000 residents in 2023, highlights that the majority of Austin's neighborhoods are situated over environmentally sensitive areas and difficult rocky soil, complicating any potential burial. The report advocates for a selective, localized approach rather than a city-wide conversion, particularly in regions where environmental risks and costs are manageable. It underscores both the financial and technical challenges of such infrastructure changes in Austin.
The city commissioned a study after 2023 blackouts left hundreds of thousands without power, revealing burying Austin's power lines would cost $50 billion and pose environmental challenges.
The report concludes that 70% of Austin is in environmentally sensitive areas, making full underground power line conversion impractical due to high costs and technical challenges.
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