Hydro lines should be underground

Re: “Fierce fight to save trees from Hydro-Québec axes,” (Montreal Gazette, Oct. 7)

Hydro-Québec defends its tree-pruning policy by citing concerns that include the risk of arcing, which could cause fire, power outages, bodily harm and compromise the reliability of the power grid.

These concerns could be alleviated with underground transmission lines. Residents of Dollard-des-Ormeaux living along a Hydro-Québec servitude on the De Salaberry Rd. corridor are also facing challenges could be resolved by underground lines. Along this corridor, the utility plans to expand the transmission network. Dollard residents have raised concerns including possible health ramifications of a high-voltage line close built nearby, a decrease in property values, safety from potential fire or electrocution, noise pollution and reliability of the grid.

Elsewhere in North America and Europe, underground lines have been adopted. As a homeowner in South Florida, I received news this week that Florida Power and Light, the local electric utility, after reviewing concerns about intermittent power outages, plans to convert some overhead lines to underground conduits.

Why is Hydro-Québec not building lines underground? If cost is the sole factor, we should demand accountability. It can afford to pay lifetime benefits to past presidents and it profits from the sale of electricity to the United States and other jurisdictions. It is time for Hydro-Québec to move our electric grid into a new technological age. Let’s build it underground.

Lynette Gilbeau, Dollard-des-Ormeaux