Beaufort Considers Burying Power Lines to Improve Community Resilience Against Storms

Beaufort Weighs Pros and Cons of Burying Power Lines

In the charming city of Beaufort, the recent discussions surrounding natural disasters and power outages have sparked some serious conversations about how we can better protect our community. With the lingering effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton fresh in everyone’s mind, many residents are left wondering: should we consider burying our power lines underground?

When U.S. Sen. Lindsay Graham visited Aiken to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, he made an interesting point that seemed to resonate with a lot of folks living in tree-filled neighborhoods. He suggested that if we can send astronauts to the moon and plan missions to Mars, surely we can figure out a way to put our electric cables underground. This isn’t exactly a groundbreaking idea, but it’s one that has gained traction in the wake of recent storms that have left over a million South Carolinians in the dark.

The Impact of Dangerous Storms

The aftermath of these hurricanes has been tough. As trees crashed down onto power lines, thousands of people in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida have found themselves without electricity. The sight of utility companies racing through neighborhoods, cutting down trees for “line-clearing” has become all too familiar. It’s hard to complain about the loss of beloved trees when so many are desperately waiting for their power to be restored.

While discussing the future electricity infrastructure with local municipal politicians, Graham emphasized that now is the perfect time to reconsider our approach to power lines. “If we can put men and women on the moon and look at going to Mars, we can bury electric cables underground, economically,” said one Spartanburg County Council member, echoing the sentiment of many who wonder why we haven’t done this sooner.

The Cost Dilemma

Of course, the cost of placing power lines underground is a sticking point. Some estimates reveal that burying lines could be three times more expensive than the traditional overhead lines. However, the potential shared costs from local, state, and federal sources might just ease that burden. Graham even assured the public that he would put effort into securing federal funding for these improvements.

Cities like Rock Hill have already made significant strides in this direction. After experiencing a brutal ice storm over ten years ago, they began working with utility companies to place lines underground. Here in Beaufort, city officials took proactive steps by requiring new residential developments to install underground utility lines as part of their infrastructure plans. One notable example is the redevelopment of Boundary Street, where power lines were successfully placed underground back in 2018.

Looking Ahead

While it’s important to note that underground wires aren’t foolproof—hurricanes can still wreak havoc on electrical systems—the push for burying power lines is undoubtedly a step in the right direction. Rebuilding efforts currently underway in our area might just provide the perfect opportunity for this change. As Graham put it, “The time is now.”

Local Election Dynamics

On a different but related note, the ongoing “blame game” surrounding disaster responses has crept into our local political landscape. Recently, the Beaufort mayoral race saw former Mayor Stephen Murray publicly criticize the current mayor, Phil Cromer, for not doing enough to protect the community during these challenging times. His remarks came after a trip delivering supplies to Hurricane Helene victims up in the mountains.

The issue of accountability has become increasingly relevant, especially as various political parties exchange barbs about who is responsible for the response—or lack thereof—following these natural disasters. With the upcoming elections, it’s clear that this blame game might just add to the drama.

As our community navigates the recovery process from the devastating impacts of recent storms and prepares for the future, it’s essential that we continue to engage in these important discussions. Whether it’s about how to improve our electrical infrastructure or ensuring that our leaders are doing their part, we are all in this together. After all, the strength of Beaufort lies in its residents and their capacity to come together and support one another.