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UCES relocating overhead power lines

UCES relocating overhead power lines

Posted: Tuesday, July 1, 2008 8:46 pm

Some Union City residents will soon see a change in their neighborhoods. Union City Electric System is in the process of relocating the overhead power lines to underground. Manager Jerry Bailey told The Messenger the changes are being made mainly in areas where the power lines run behind houses. He said those areas are generally harder to get to in order to trim trees. Fallen limbs and power lines burning in trees are a main cause of power outages and interferences. In addition to making the system more realiable, relocating those lines will also save money because tree trimming is more expensive. Affected customers will receive letters in the mail from Kevin Ferguson of the engineering, operations department explaining the need for the relocation and the way in which the company will proceed. He writes, “Naturally the main concern among customers is property damage due to trenching. A directional boring machine will be utilized in this process. This machine allows us to bore underground without disturbing any fences, trees or structures. Some excavating will need to be done at transformer locations where service connections will be made.” Bailey said the Sherwood area has already been completed and the system is working in the Pleasant Valley area now. “We’re not picking on those areas,” he said, adding “They were the worst.” Other areas where the lines are mainly behind houses will also see the conversion. Those customers will receive letters as their areas come up. Conversion from overhead electric to underground electric will be completed as time and weather permits. Although the underground lines save the system tree trimming money, not all lines will be converted because it is an expensive process. Also, when the lines have to be worked on, the whole line must be shut down, Bailey said. Published in The Messenger 7.1.08