Work to Move Power Lines Underground Helps Maintain Reliable Service

Moving power lines underground is one way CFU maintains reliable power for our customers. Underground lines have less exposure to weather, tree damage and animals which means fewer outages and improved reliability for customers.

Work Begins in North Cedar with First Phase

This summer, crews will begin work in North Cedar in the first phase of a five-year project to move approximately 30 additional miles of power lines underground in targeted areas throughout Cedar Falls.

Crews first install conduit underground, either by boring beneath permanent structures or digging trenches where appropriate. Once the conduit is in place, electric crews pull in the new power lines.

Older Infrastructure Gets Replaced First

As we invest in our electric system, we prioritize replacing older infrastructure first and move lines underground when it makes sense technically and financially. In some cases, lines cannot be moved underground. 

Main feeder lines, such as those along 12th Street, carry a large amount of power. Converting these larger feeder lines is cost prohibitive due to larger space and underground equipment requirements.

The lines currently being replaced in North Cedar are smaller, single-phase lines that are more than 50 years old and nearing the end of their useful life. This project will greatly reduce the number of outages in the North Cedar area.

Projects like this, along with continued investment in local infrastructure and generation, help ensure we can provide reliable and affordable power today and into the future.