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1. What is the utility underground district program?

The city of Alameda’s underground utility program was established in 1984 to place overhead main lines and service lines - including telephone, electric, cable television and other telecommunications - underground in a trench. The purpose is not only to beautify the streets but also to improve and enhance the city’s electric system.

2. What are the benefits of undergrounding?

The benefits include:

• Improves the visual look of Alameda
• Enhances public safety by removing utility poles and undergrounding utility lines
• Reduces power outages caused by vehicular traffic accidents
• Reduces costs of tree trimming and utility pole replacement
• Reduces power outages caused by weather, animals, metallic balloons and kites.
• Improves residential and commercial property values
• Improves electric system reliability and operational flexibility with installation of new equipment

3. Are there any drawbacks of undergrounding?

The drawbacks could include:

• Higher costs to install or repair underground lines
• Longer times to repair underground lines
• Increased chance of damage due to dig-ins by those who do not follow proper procedures to identify the location of underground facilities before excavating