Due to a recent StreetScape project announced by DDOT, to include major street renovations in the Brookland Community of Northeast Washington, D.C., local citizens have requested Pepco to respond by facilitating the placement of overhead power lines underground, along the 12th Street Business Corridor.
 
 "We are willing to underground power lines when it has been determined that such placement is technically feasible and the benefactors have obtained all funding resources that would be required for all necessary portions of installation." said Pepco Region President, Thomas Graham. He also noted while many communities enjoy the 'urban canopy' of our Nation's Capital, undergrounding does have significant costs involved.

 When considering undergrounding it is important to consider certain key variables. Some of the primary variables to consider are:

• Costs for utilities, including electric, phone, cable, DC streetlights and traffic signals, to underground their facilities since we typically share the same pole line. Some of Pepco estimates typically range from $1M-$3M/mile and other estimates reflect a cost of $8M/mile. Other utilities will have to be contacted for their estimated costs;
• Additional non utility costs incurred by existing customers served by overhead lines to convert their electric service connection to an underground supply;
• Electrical cable faults occurring underground will increase the duration of outages for customers;
• The high potential for damage to tree roots as a result of undergrounding activities; and
• The technical feasibility of undergrounding.

 The undergrounding of overhead power lines would be submitted to the DC Public Service Commission for guidance and approval.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 750,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.