Power Up! Power Down!

The increasing frequency of intense weather events means that communities powered by above-ground powerlines will experience more frequent power outages like the one that just shut down eastern Pennsylvania
Power outages endanger the elderly and the infirm. Outages stop and disrupt economic activity, costing us millions. Outages cause accidental fires and water/ice/pipe damage that bring millions in property insurance claims.
Burying powerlines makes them almost impervious to weather and other factors. The cost of burying above-ground powerlines is enormous. But it is time for our communities to create and analyze possible solutions in order to determine if burying the lines makes economic sense.
Local governments should gather stakeholders, think creatively, and do the numbers. Can local governments use borrowing authority to finance these projects? Can Chambers of Commerce help count up costs? Do property insurance companies want to contribute expertise or even funds to the project? Will local engineering companies compete in pilot projects to learn if costs can be contained, and which company should win the contract?
If, after a thorough, inspired, number-crushing analysis, it is determined that burying the lines just costs too much, I can live with that. But I can only live with it if we as a community make the effort to explore a better way. - Jeff Mitchell, Yardley