Abstract
Electrical transmission lines in Alaska vary from overhead to submarine to underground installations. Analysis indicates that overhead transmission lines are the least expensive to build, ranging from $100 000 to $400 000/mile. Cost variability is influenced by pole spacing, pole heights, line ratings, river crossings, and the amount of work on energized power lines. Submarine lines and underground lines are substantially more expensive than overhead lines, ranging from less than $3 000 000 to more than $4 500 000/mile although there is some uncertainty in the datasets. When broken down by major cost components, the cost category including materials, construction, and installation comprises just over half of the total costs, with remaining costs distributed among the control system, substation, switchyard, road clearance, indirect costs, and contingencies. Operation and maintenance costs range from $2800/mile to $4200/mile, with an average of $3560/mile. Expected lifetimes are 20–30 years. In general, the transmission technology market is not as dynamic as other energy markets. Financing and initiatives to encourage interties may create bigger loads and economies of scale.
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