Browning-McPherson and Browning-Scussel projects: Questions and answers
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Browning-McPherson and Browning-Scussel 69kV projects.
Q: Why are these projects needed?
A: The area around Browning substation is
experiencing tremendous growth. Bringing two
69,000-volt (69-kV) power lines out of Browning,
the electrical hub in the eastern portion of SRP's
service territory, will help expand electric service
into developing areas and provide greater
reliability to our customers in this community.
Q: Where would SRP build the power lines?
A: For 69-kV lines, SRP considers linear features such
as arterial roads, section lines and existing power
line corridors.
Q: How big would the poles be?
A: 69-kV lines are built on steel or wood poles about
65 feet tall. The spans between the poles vary
depending on how the line is designed.
Q: Why can't you bury these lines? The lines in my
neighborhood are already underground.
A: Standard construction for power lines is overhead.
SRP does not usually place 69-kV lines
underground because of the time and expense
involved in burying and maintaining lines of this
magnitude. Burying a single-circuit 69kV power
line costs about $3.5 million per mile - 10 times the
cost for overhead construction. However, future
costs for underground 69-kV projects are difficult to
predict because of the rapidly rising costs of oil and
copper, two key components of the underground
wire. Our 69-kV lines traverse neighborhoods
across the Valley; burying all of them would be
very costly and affect our customers' electric prices
substantially.
Q: Wouldn't it be safer to underground power lines
to limit exposure to electric and magnetic fields?
A: Burying a power line does not minimize or
eliminate exposure to electric and magnetic fields;
in fact, it brings magnetic fields closer. Get more
information about electric and magnetic fields.
Q: What about radio or TV interference?
A: Based on the design parameters and physical
configuration of the proposed lines, no
objectionable noise or interference with radio or TV
signals is anticipated. SRP is prepared to address
any interference with corrective measures.
Q: Who makes the final decision on the line route?
A: SRP's project team considers a number of criteria
during the decision-making process, including
public input, construction and maintenance
feasibility, reliability, easement acquisition, future
needs and costs.
Find out more about the Browning-McPherson and Browning-Scussel projects.
