The choice between underground and overhead electrical distribution involves a trade-off between initial cost, reliability, and aesthetics.

Advantages of underground Distribution:

• Reliability: Underground systems are highly protected from severe weather, wildlife, and traffic accidents, leading to significantly fewer power outages.

• Aesthetics: The absence of unsightly poles and wires preserves the natural landscape and is a major advantage in urban and residential areas.

• Safety: The risk of public contact with energized lines is eliminated, dramatically improving public safety.

Disadvantages of Underground Distribution:

• Higher Cost: The initial installation cost for an underground system can be 3 to 10 times higher than for an equivalent overhead system due to the extensive civil work required.

• Difficult Maintenance: While less frequent, repairs to an underground system are more difficult and time-consuming. Locating a fault requires specialized fault-locating equipment, and repairs often involve digging, leading to longer service interruptions.

• Lower Capacity: underground cables dissipate heat less efficiently than overhead conductors, which can limit their current-carrying capacity unless they are specially designed or a fluid-filled system is used.