There is so much nonsense and waste in the government that needs to be slashed so that permanent infrastructure that is actually valuable can be completed. The schools for one are wasting so much money that it’s obscene. They could do just as good a job educating in a warehouse with proctors and a national team of great teachers on video.

1/100th of the cost and better results.

I came to this country from a European country 20 years ago, and was astonished to see visible power lines in the city and suburbs. Power outages never happen in my home city. I don't know where the transformers are, but they're not exposed to the elements at all.

The USA is the richest country in the world. It's interesting that its residents should still be dealing with exposed power lines. I understand that earthquake-prone areas can't bury their lines, but it doesn't make sense for the rest of the country.

Anonymous wrote:Why do you people act like losing your power for 2-12 hours is the end of the world? There are people in the world who live in mud huts and y’all are having a meltdown over not having your internet and AC for up to half a day 🙄

You're an ass hat. This is a jackass response. Pat yourself on the back for sharing your moral superiority. Let's go ahead and get rid of refrigeration, reliable food sources, and medical care, because there are people in the world without those. Maybe toss education too, cause Afghanistan is doing just fine without it.

Why do you people act like losing your power for 2-12 hours is the end of the world? There are people in the world who live in mud huts and y’all are having a meltdown over not having your internet and AC for up to half a day 🙄

Never gonna happen.

There are certain (and relatively few) problem areas that frequently have problems. Those areas are already getting underground lines. It's a case-by-case basis.

Nope. Too expensive.

Buried lines don’t necessarily matter in a storm like yesterday and like the derecho. We have buried power lines, but when the transformer goes BOOM, our power goes out anyway.

DC would benefit from just not planting these huge trees between the street and the sidewalk. Nealy every tree that came down last night in NW, bringing power lines with them, was a big tree by the curb that did not have enough space to grow healthy roots. It's just so stupid.

Anonymous wrote:Better spent on solar, geothermal, and batteries

Agreed. And transmission.

Better spent on solar, geothermal, and batteries

Who’s going to pay?

Anonymous wrote:Been chatter and workers “studying” this issue for a few years now but am hoping this finally gets the job done. I know some areas are already in ground but it would be great if this finally moves this forward for a wide swath of residences.

The cost to do this would be astronomical, with all of that cost being passed on to the local taxpayers. I know a lot of people on this board say they don't mind paying extra taxes if it means better schools, better infrastructure, better whatever - but when it actually happens they're all up in arms. Just look at how many people are complaining about their exploding property taxes now! Just wait.

Hell no. They would have to pass that on to ratepayers and energy costs are already through the roof.

Been chatter and workers “studying” this issue for a few years now but am hoping this finally gets the job done. I know some areas are already in ground but it would be great if this finally moves this forward for a wide swath of residences.