Aluminum is preferred over copper for several reasons:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Aluminum is significantly cheaper and more abundant than copper.

• Light Weight: Aluminum is roughly one-third the weight of copper for the same conductivity. This allows for longer spans between towers and reduces the need for heavy, expensive support structures.

• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum naturally forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion, which is crucial for bare overhead conductors exposed to the elements.