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Discover Why The Underground Electrical Network Is Still An Exception In São Paulo, Even After Blackouts Caused By Storms And Strong Winds. Understand The Challenges And Costs.
Although safer and protected from climate events, the underground electrical network is hindered by a decisive factor: cost. Experts point out that burying wires can cost up to 10 times more than keeping them suspended.
In the United States, for example, the average cost to install an overhead cable is about US$ 100,000 per mile, while underground installation can exceed US$ 1 million. Additionally, studies indicate that a complete transition would take decades and raise energy tariffs by up to 125%.
Unfulfilled Promises In The São Paulo Capital
In 2017, then-mayor João Doria promised to bury 52 km of wires in 117 streets in downtown São Paulo.
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His successor, Ricardo Nunes, raised the target to 65 km. However, the city has only 40 km of underground electrical network, according to the city government itself.
There are no concrete deadlines for the project’s completion, and the current pace is far from keeping up with the growing need to adapt urban infrastructure to new climate standards.
Logistical Barriers And Urban Impact
In addition to cost, the underground electrical network faces considerable logistical challenges. According to engineer Edval Delbone of the Mauá Institute of Technology (IMT), the installation process requires the closure of avenues and commercial centers for days, causing severe impacts on urban mobility.
“Logistics is complicated. Avenues and commercial centers would have to be closed for days to dig the trenches — and it might take a long time,” Delbone explained in an interview with BBC Brasil.
Underground Electrical Network Is Safe, But Not Perfect
Although it provides greater protection against falling trees and storms, the underground electrical network also has vulnerabilities. Flooding, rocky soils, and complex maintenance are some of the obstacles in certain regions.
In other words, even though it is an efficient solution in terms of safety and aesthetics, it is still not viable on a large scale, especially in cities like São Paulo, with dense infrastructure and limited budget.
As extreme events become increasingly frequent, pressure is growing to modernize the electrical network in major cities.
The underground electrical network could be part of the solution, but it requires long-term planning, heavy investment, and political will.
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