Strategic planning considerations for cost effective implementation of underground electrical power delivery

The author discusses key features of strategic planning that are being considered within the State of Florida for converting from above-ground to underground electrical power delivery systems. Technology, investment cost, operations and support cost, and other costs are identified and discussed from the perspective of systems analysis, with emphasis on real-world implementation capability. The author focuses on strategic planning issues that must be addressed to ensure that implementation is done in a cost-effective manner to protect the interests of the taxpayer. This is a complex and innovative undertaking for the state and is being proposed as a prototype for the country