Several folks have written letters stressing the need to underground electrical lines due to recent frequent power outages.

A little research on the Internet indicates that indeed the aesthetics are pleasing but there is installation cost (ratepayer burden) and possible maintenance difficulties because of physical conditions.

If a transformer is placed underground it still requires air circulation to dissipate heat allowing for the potential of rusting enclosures due to moisture.

Distribution lines are estimated to cost $1 million per mile to underground and it is next to impossible to estimate the cost for transmission lines because of the higher voltages.

If the ratepayers want to assume a potential 75 to 125 percent increase in rates one would think PSE would welcome the opportunity to underground and save having to repair lines.

Dave Kirker

Coupeville