Strategic Undergrounding
To better serve our customers and communities and reduce wildfire risk, Avista has begun to strategically move sections of overhead powerlines underground. We’re focusing our efforts in areas that have the highest wildfire ignition risk.
This work will benefit our customers by:
- Helping to prevent wildfires caused by power equipment
- Reducing power outages and improving reliability
- Decreasing the need for future tree work
When moving powerlines that have the highest wildfire ignition risk underground, some equipment will remain above ground. This can include the service line delivering power to homes and businesses, telecommunications lines, and poles. Additional above ground equipment may need to be installed.
Customers interested in placing the service line to their home or business underground can work with Avista to receive a cost estimate.
Customers in strategic undergrounding project areas will be notified before work begins and periodically throughout the project design and construction period.
This strategic undergrounding project is an 11-mile stretch of overhead powerlines southeast of the City of Spokane. The overhead powerlines running from E 65th Avenue along the Palouse Highway, Jamieson Road, Ben Burr Road, Windmill Road, Hilby Road and Silver Lane will be converted to underground.
Project Schedule:
- Preliminary Design: Spring 2024-Spring 2025
- Survey Work: Fall 2024-Spring 2025
- Secure Easements: Summer 2024-Summer 2025
- Final Design: Summer 2025
- Construction Begins: Fall 2024
- Construction Complete: Spring 2026
Approximately 3.5 miles of overhead primary power lines Northwest of the City of Spokane will be converted to underground. Primary overhead power lines running along N. Dartford Dr to Minihdoka and to Route 11 to Hazard Rd will be converted to underground. The crossing over the Little Spokane River will remain overhead. Design and survey work are underway with construction beginning Spring of 2026.
Project Schedule:
- Preliminary Design: Winter-Fall 2025
- Survey Work: Winter-Fall 2025
- Secure Easements: Spring-Summer 2025
- Final Design: Fall 2025
- Construction Begins: Spring 2026
- Construction Complete: Fall 2026
FAQs
Overhead distribution power lines that serve your neighborhood will be relocated underground.
Some equipment, like the service line connecting to your home or non-Avista-owned telecommunication lines will remain above ground. Supporting equipment such as transformers and switches will be installed at ground level.
Yes. Converting your overhead service line to underground will require coordination with Avista. There may be conversion expenses that are the customer's responsibility. Property owners should first contact an electrician for a cost estimate.
Avista's strategic undergrounding plan targets high fire risk areas that are in close proximity to populated areas. Cost-per-mile to underground varies greatly depending on customer density and soil conditions. These costs are part of Avista's capital budget and are approved by respective state utility commissions. Construction costs are partially offset by reduced annual maintenance costs and risk.
Often, the underground power lines can follow the same path as the existing overhead lines within the public Right-of-Way (ROW) or public utility easement. But in some instances, the ideal route may cross private property. In these instances, Avista will pursue a private easement with the property owner.
Questions?
- Project Manager: James Edwards at (509) 495-8841 or james.edwards@avistacorp.com