SPOKANE, Wash. — Inland Power will spend $410 million over the next decade to bury 500 miles of existing overhead power lines underground in an effort to reduce wildfire risk and improve electrical service reliability for nearly 50,000 customers in the Spokane area.
The utility company says the project will cost about $41 million annually and represents the largest infrastructure investment in Inland Power’s history, though customers will likely see rate increases as a result.
“Once they’re underground, you don’t have to worry about squirrels getting on the lines as much. You don’t have to worry about vegetation hitting lines,” said Andy Barth from Inland Power.
On hot summer days, the mix of power lines, wind, and dead trees can spark wildfires, making underground installation a safety priority.
“We have a very extensive ten-year work plan. It is the largest work plan in Inland Power’s history,” Barth said.
Projects are already underway near Mount Spokane. One project is on Day Mount Spokane Road, next to Greenbluff.
However, the cost may hit customers significantly.
“We anticipate roughly 6 to 10 times the amount more expensive to underground than it is to go overhead,” Barth said.
With new lines, they are already putting them underground and that costs less.
The company says acting now is better than waiting as costs continue to rise.
“As costs continue to rise, that cost could go up. But we really see Spokane as a huge, and we really see Spokane and a huge growth, phase right now. And so we want to make sure that we are ready to serve, that growth,” Barth said.
The investment comes as the region faces increased electricity demand.
“Nationwide, the infrastructure and the grid really isn’t equipped for this massive energy boom and electricity boom that we’re looking at right now,” Barth said.
More people need service and plans are developing to keep up.
“Here in Spokane specifically, all utilities are really looking at how we can set ourselves up and our growth up for success here in Spokane,” Barth said.
Customer rates will likely increase because of this investment, rising energy costs, and inflation. The company says it’s too early to know how much rates will go up. Other factors will also affect rate increases.
We checked with another large energy provider regarding their plans. Avista says it is burying lines too.
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