Why Aren't Powergrids Underground?

jonging asks: "It is common knowledge that an underground power grid is less susceptible to the effect of a large thunderstorm. The American Transmission Company cites numerous reasons why it (and other power companies I assume) do not bury their transmission lines underground (e.g. environmental concerns, cost of installation and repair, etc.). Exactly how detrimental are underground transmission lines to the environment? Wouldn't the time spent without a power outage generate more than enough revenue to offset initial costs? Aren't the need for repairs in cities with successful underground power grids rare?" The linked article goes into extensive detail about the disadvantages in initial costs of putting in underground lines, but doesn't go into any detail about the maintenance costs of either option. With storms getting worse and worse (Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia have weathered torrential downfalls this week), might underground lines prove more resistant to storm-related power outages?

Comments

Re:Europe vs The US

[Ticklemonster]

From reading slashdot threads for a few years now, it has become evident as to why Europeans invented the concept of the TROLL. What is that, like a continental mascot?

The weather's hot.

Eet ees because joo Uhmericahns air so eenfeeriar.

The weather's cold.

Eet ees because joo Uhmericahns air so eenfeeriar.

... um, the sky is blue.

Eet ees because joo Uhmericahns air so eenfeeriar.

... okay, your mother is a hamster and your father smells of elderberrys.

Eet ees because joo Uhmericahns air so eenfeeriar.

and on and on and on ad infinitum. I see why my ancestors left now.