Show All Answers

1. Is there any cost to property owners for the undergrounding of utility lines?

The property owner won’t be charged if the service lateral does not exceed 100 feet. In addition, the property owner must provide utility companies access to their property by signing an agreement. If these conditions aren’t met, the property owner must pay for the costs to move the lines underground from the street to their house or business starting at the property line.

2. What is the cost for moving all utility lines underground in Alameda?

About half of the city’s power lines are currently underground, with 93 miles of overhead power lines remaining. Undergrounding can cost as much as $5.3 million per mile. When you consider the costs, you can see why Alameda is moving lines underground on a gradual basis instead of all at once.

3. Can customers pay out of their own pockets to get their utility lines moved underground?

Yes, but the cost of moving overhead utilities underground can be very high. Customers who are not within an underground utility district may request undergrounding of their overhead utilities but must bear the expense of the conversion. For example, a rough cost estimate to convert the electrical overhead facilities to underground facilities for one block (approximately 600 feet) could be $600,000.

This cost does not include converting other utility providers’ (AT&T and Comcast) overhead lines to underground. The customer would be responsible for coordinating any conversion work with other utility service providers. Additionally, Alameda Municipal Power might require easements for location of equipment and facilities.