Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Undergrounding - The Basics
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Undergrounding - The Basics
The city of Alameda’s underground utility program was established in 1984 to place overhead main lines and service lines - including telephone, electric, cable television and other telecommunications - underground in a trench. The purpose is not only to beautify the streets but also to improve and enhance the city’s electric system.
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Undergrounding - The Basics
The benefits include:
- Improves the visual look of Alameda
- Enhances public safety by removing utility poles and undergrounding utility lines
- Reduces power outages caused by vehicular traffic accidents
- Reduces costs of tree trimming and utility pole replacement
- Reduces power outages caused by weather, animals, metallic balloons and kites.
- Improves residential and commercial property values
- Improves electric system reliability and operational flexibility with installation of new equipment
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Undergrounding - The Basics
The drawbacks could include:
- Higher costs to install or repair underground lines
- Longer times to repair underground lines
- Increased chance of damage due to dig-ins by those who do not follow proper procedures to identify the location of underground facilities before excavating