Overhead Utility Lines Are Not Graffiti
Stephen Bailey (Letters, May 27) unfairly characterizes overhead electric distribution and transmission lines in the same category as graffiti.
Unlike graffiti, electricity and a community’s power system are essential to deliver the energy to run our homes and businesses.
Mr. Bailey’s assertion that undergrounding of these lines would cost only “a little extra money” is incorrect, since undergrounding facilities typically costs far more than an equivalent overhead system. That is why all utilities, including the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, must carefully plan expenditures for underground systems and, in some cases, overhead extensions are still necessary.
Specifically, the new transmission line in the Granada Hills and Northridge areas was placed between two existing lines on a right of way planned for that purpose. At the time of the public hearings on the project, the DWP provided information that construction of an equivalent underground line would be more disruptive to the community and was not economically feasible.
The DWP will continue to act responsibly in infrastructure improvements and install underground systems whenever they will produce a significant benefit. Still, we cannot remove all overhead lines or install all new lines underground to the extent the writer suggests, since that would unfairly burden our customers with excessive rates.
DANIEL W. WATERS
Los Angeles
The writer is general manager and chief engineer for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
