Electric Undergrounding Program Progress
Summary
The citywide undergrounding effort is 85.28% done with about 18.7 miles to go. Board members questioned whether conversion dollars could be better spent on larger projects like older neighborhoods still waiting, and staff outlined a pole inspection program to find remaining overhead services.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 6
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Material spend is running about $2.3 million; conversions cost roughly $3,000-$4,000 each.
Residents gaining underground service get better reliability and storm resilience.
Developers may face higher costs and fewer site options, and utility crews warn that over-screening could slow storm restoration times.
Mentions & discussions (6)
Utilities Advisory Board - Oct 27, 2026
With undergrounding 86% done and finishing by 2030, roughly $10 million a year will free up. The board debated whether to spend it on reliability projects, renewables, or return it to ratepayers — with some members insisting customer rate relief not be forgotten.
Utilities Advisory Board - Aug 25, 2026
The citywide undergrounding effort is 85.28% done with about 18.7 miles to go. Board members questioned whether conversion dollars could be better spent on larger projects like older neighborhoods still waiting, and staff outlined a pole inspection program to find remaining overhead services.
Utilities Advisory Board - Jul 28, 2026
The undergrounding program is 84.74% complete citywide with about 19 miles remaining; the board debated whether the ~$11 million annual undergrounding spend frees up cash when done — staff said future infrastructure needs mean it likely won't.
Utilities Advisory Board - Apr 28, 2026
The program to bury power lines is about 84% done with just over 20 miles left. One project is paused over easement and ownership issues with a local business.
Planning and Zoning Board - Mar 3, 2026
New permitting checklists now catch transformer placement and screening issues up front. Commissioner Dick is taking remaining maintenance concerns to the Electric Utility department.
Planning and Zoning Board - Jan 27, 2026
A transformer installed at Rollins College faculty housing that didn't fully comply with code sparked a broader discussion about where these green utility boxes go and how well they're hidden. The board wants transformer locations considered earlier in development reviews, with landscaping screening plans required — but utility staff stressed they need quick, clear access for outage repairs, especially at night and in storms.
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