Power Line Burial

Concerned citizens and groups quickly realized that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Supporters of burial argue that if the lines are not buried now, then another chance will not arise for decades or longer. They believe that the following benefits will be realized once the lines are buried:

Economic Benefits - Increased development along Providence’s and East Providence’s waterfront, especially because the relocation of 195 will free up much land in that area. The removal of the high-tension towers will increase the demand for this waterfront real estate. This development will provide increased tax revenue to the city and state, will bring more jobs to the region, and could possibly support increased tourism.

Health Benefits – Supporter’s of line burial have pointed to numerous studies that show there may be negative health effects associated with spending time under high-tension power lines, especially for young children. Supporters argue that burying the lines would remove the threat of these negative health effects.

Aesthetic Benefits – There is little doubt that the removal of the towers would improve the aesthetics of the park, the Fox Point neighborhood, and the waterfront. Furthermore, because I-195 is the entry point to Providence for approximately 10 million motorists each year, a more beautiful India Point Park would benefit the city by being an impressive gateway to the city, which could encourage people to return. The power lines also run through three parks, and supporters argue that the removal of those lines would increase the recreational value of those parks.

Widespread Support – Dozens of organizations and people have come out in support of burying the lines.

Not every group supports burying the power lines. Opposition groups argue the following:

High Cost – The price for burying the lines is estimated to be approximately five times higher than the cost of moving the lines above ground. As of April 12, 2004, no definite sources have been found to cover the entire cost of burial.

No Health Benefits – In a letter submitted to the Providence Journal on February 6, 2004, the director of the Rhode Island Committee on Occupational Safety and Health argued that “there is no plausible evidence that burying the power lines would block any hypothetically harmful electromagnetic fields.”

Less Costly Aesthetic Benefits – Even without burying the towers, the aesthetics of the area will be improved because the number of high tension towers will decrease from twelve to eight.

Difficulty in Reaching Underground Lines – Groups opposed to burying the power lines argue that the lines could be difficult to reach in an emergency, leaving customers without power for extended periods of time. This has been disputed by Narragansett Electric’s records regarding its buried power lines in Rhode Island: according to those records, Narragansett Electric has had no problems from its buried lines.

Risk of Delay – Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has given Narragansett Electric a deadline of November 2005 to remove the existing power lines. Narragansett Electric argues that the design alone will require at least nine months. The state could face monetary penalties if RIDOT falls behind on its I-195 relocation schedule.

Costly Precedent - Narragansett Electric has argued that it would be setting a costly precedent if it buries the power lines instead of moving the towers.