The average cost to run power underground is $10 to $25 per foot, or $5,000 to $12,500 for 500' of new electrical lines. Overhead power line installation costs $5 to $15 per foot, or $4,000 to $7,500 for 500'. The cost to bury existing power lines is $2,000 to $6,000.
| Length of run | Underground cost | Aboveground cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 feet | $500 – $1,250 | $250 – $350 |
| 100 feet | $1,000 – $2,500 | $500 – $700 |
| 150 feet | $1,500 – $3,800 | $750 – $2,300 |
| 200 feet | $2,000 – $5,000 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| 300 feet | $3,000 – $7,500 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| 500 feet | $5,000 – $12,500 | $4,000 – $7,500 |
| 1,000 feet | $10,000 – $25,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| ¼ mile | $13,200 – $33,000 | $10,600 – $19,800 |
| ½ mile | $26,400 – $66,000 | $21,100 – $39,600 |
| ¾ mile | $39,600 – $99,000 | $31,700 – $59,400 |
| 1 mile | $52,800 – $132,000 | $42,000 – $79,000 |
The labor to run power lines typically involves several professionals, depending on the location and whether installing overhead or underground lines.
A residential transformer costs $3,000 to $20,000+ installed, depending on size and type.
Running new electrical lines may require installing one or more transformers, depending on the distance from the property to the closest existing transformer. Most companies require a transformer within 150' of the house.
Power companies own most residential transformers and may cover part of the installation cost if the project requires a new transformer. The power company typically owns the transformer once installed.
Trenching costs $5 to $12 per linear foot, or $500 to $1,200 on average to dig a 100-foot trench for underground conduit. The trench length, depth, soil type, and ground conditions impact the cost.
The average cost to install conduit is $4 to $8 per linear foot, excluding trenching costs. Many power companies require the customer to coordinate the trenching and conduit installation to run new underground electrical lines.
Conduit tubing houses and protects the wiring from moisture and damage. Conduit material requirements vary by location and power company. PVC and rigid conduits are most common for underground electrical wiring.
Utility pole installation costs $1,200 to $5,600 per pole on average. Running new electric service to a remote location typically involves installing one or more new poles. Most power companies require one pole every 125' to 150' in cities or about every 300' in rural locations.
The cost to bury existing power lines is $2,000 to $6,000 on average, or $4 to $10 per foot plus a one-time $300 to $650 service fee. The total cost depends on the location, trench length, and if the power company shares the cost.
Converting to underground service may involve roof repair and other structural and aesthetic repairs if the current overhead service extends through the roof.
Contact your local power company for overhead to underground conversion guidelines. Some companies bury existing power lines for free if the homeowner makes the required meter box changes.
The cost to connect utilities depends on the type, location, and distance from the property to each main utility line.
The power company runs electric from the road to the house in most cases. Contact your local utility to determine the requirements and responsible party. Most power companies run electric from the road free up to a certain distance but may require the property owner to coordinate the installation.
Moving overhead cables to underground may be worth the expense in areas prone to wind damage. Overhead cables are typically the best choice for coastal zones and other flood-prone areas as subsurface flooding can damage underground power lines.
The wire material, size, and voltage determine how far you can run electrical wire underground, as these factors impact the efficiency and voltage drop potential. Longer installations may require using thicker wire or adding transformers.
A 200-amp underground service requires a #2/0 American Gauge Wire (AWG) copper or #4/0 AWG aluminum wire in at least 1.5-inch conduit. Experts recommend copper for longer distances due to its superior conductivity and lower voltage drop potential.
Hire a licensed electrician to assess and properly size your service wiring.
You can run electrical conduit above ground, provided the conduit is rated for it and the installation complies with the NEC, local building, and electrical code requirements.
Depth requirements for underground electrical wire depend on the wire type and whether it is housed in conduit or not. Direct burial approved underground feeder cable should be at least 24" deep per the NEC, while electrical wiring in PVC conduit requires an 18" minimum depth.
| Wire type | Minimum depth (inches) |
|---|---|
| Underground feeder (UF-B) cable | 24 |
| GFCI-protected UF cable | 12 |
| Electrical wire in PVC conduit | 18 |
| Electrical wire in rigid metal conduit | 6 |
| Electrical wire in flexible metal conduit | 18 |
Before hiring a contractor to run new electrical lines, be sure to:
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