Abstract :
The already high ratio of investment to income in rural areas is a big problem. But, the additional investment in selective underground rural distribution (URD) primary is justified where exposure to tree and storm expense is indicated. A bonus result will be found in improved service. The engineer must be ready to substitute insulated overhead construction where unusually difficult soil conditions exist´ Savings in operating costs associated with ground installed secondaries, services and transformers, however, are not sufficient to warrant their installation in rural areas. However, URD, wisely applied, is a distinct improvement; economically, URD is worth the additional cost of initial installation when reasonably applied; and we cannot afford to be without a sound underground program, even in our most uneconomical service areas.
