As real estate agents, time and time again we are faced with showing beautiful ocean view properties, only for the view to be impeded by cacophonously buzzing power lines. There are some buyers that can look past the visual crisscross of insulated mosaic, and live with the hope that some day Tesla himself will rise from his grave--so we'll have no need for these archaic eyesores.
The big questions: What are the alternatives? and Will we see them in the near future of San Diego County?
The cost of underground power lines is over $1 million a mile, which is ten times the expense of conventional above ground lines. Cities like Del Mar with average home prices near $2 million see this as a good investment. A group of Del Mar homeowners, North Hills Undergrounding Project, is on their way to down 184 utility poles. As part of their Vision 2020 plan adopted in 2002, all utility cables will soon be a thing of the past in Del Mar. Other North County communities like Cardiff by the Sea are following suit.
SDG&E is also contributing funds to allocate a set annual amount to go to UUD's (Underground Utility Districts), which will then be charged back to the customer in an increased utility bill.
Is there any other reason to invest time and copious amounts of money besides the visual impact of these cables? Probably not. There is a reason why people flock here to spend top dollar to live in paradise, and it's not because we have an overabundance of jobs--it's because we live in a beautiful place. Ten times more expensive isn't too expensive for our amazing county.
Steve Scheckner, Realtor
Team Leader, 73 Degrees
San Diego County Real Estate
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