South Pasadena’s electrical infrastructure, much of it mounted on decades-old wooden power poles, is in need of a clear long-term modernization plan. While burying the city’s power lines underground is not immediately feasible, local experts in municipal planning, infrastructure development, and major industrial projects are urging city leaders to start the process of envisioning how and when this transition can happen.
The push for ‘undergrounding‘ planning is not just about aesthetics—it’s about fire safety, public health, long-term cost efficiency, and infrastructure resilience. Cities across California have begun making similar moves, and South Pasadena has a timing opportunity to position itself strategically for funding and planning efforts.
The Benefits of Undergrounding: Public Safety, Long-Term Savings, and Aesthetics
- Fire Prevention: Overhead power lines are a known fire hazard, particularly in dry and windy conditions. South Pasadena has experienced semi-regular “pole fires”, where power poles catch fire in backyards and residential areas. Undergrounding would essentially eliminate this risk.
- Public Safety and Reliability: Storms, high winds, and vehicle collisions frequently damage above-ground power lines, leading to outages and safety hazards. Underground power lines are far more reliable in extreme weather.
- Lower Long-Term Costs: While undergrounding requires significant upfront investment, long-term maintenance costs are vastly reduced compared to ongoing repairs and emergency fixes for aging above-ground systems.
- Community Aesthetics and Property Value: Burying power lines eliminates unsightly poles and tangled overhead wiring, enhancing the livability of South Pasadena’s neighborhoods. Other tangible benefits include increased property values and reducing property insurance costs for homes and commercial buildings.
Poisonous Poles: Chemical Soaked Power Poles in South Pasadena Residential Areas
What hasn’t been widely discussed is the environmental and health risk posed by wooden power poles. Most of South Pasadena’s utility poles are treated with pentachlorophenol (penta), creosote, and arsenicals (like chromated copper arsenate, or CCA)—chemicals used to prevent decay and insect damage. All of these industrial chemicals are potentially cancer-causing, and contribute to a variety of longterm illnesses.
- Pentachlorophenol (Penta): A toxic wood preservative linked to nervous system and liver damage.
- Creosote: A known carcinogen, with exposure risks including skin burns, respiratory issues, and potential groundwater contamination.
- Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA): Contains arsenic, which can leach into surrounding soil over time.
There are obviously thousands of these poles holding up our power lines throughout South Pasadena—many standing in residential backyards, along sidewalks, parkways and near schools. As these poles age and degrade, the chemicals leach into the environment, posing serious potential health risks.
preservative Pentachlorophenol is extremely toxic to humans from acute short term ingestion and
inhalation exposure Acute inhalation exposures in humans have resulted in neurological blood and liver
effects and eye irritation Chronic long term exposure to pentachlorophenol by inhalation in humans has
resulted in effects on the respiratory tract blood kidney liver immune system eyes nose and skin
Human studies are inconclusive regarding pentachlorophenol exposure and reproductive effects Human
studies suggest an association between exposure to pentachlorophenol and cancer Oral animal studies
have reported increases in liver tumors and two uncommon tumor types EPA has classified
pentachlorophenol as a Group B2 probable human carcinogen
Why Undergrounding is Out of Reach – For Now
The reality is that undergrounding South Pasadena’s power lines today would cost of tens of millions of dollars. Based on cost estimates from similar cities, burying power lines runs between $1-million and $4-million per mile. With South Pasadena’s possible 40 miles of streets with poles, that puts the total price tag as ‘not possible’ if funded out of the South Pasadena City finances directly.
For reference, other California cities have attempted similar projects:
- Pasadena has implemented undergrounding in phases, but the process has taken decades.
- San Diego estimated that undergrounding citywide would take over 50 years to complete.
- Many other cities in other states, like Beaverton, Oregon has buried power lines in nearly all commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. Any new development it’s a requirement. This procedure is performed within a long-standing partnership with PG&E, for example.
Simply put, South Pasadena doesn’t have the budget to do this all at once. But not having an immediate solution doesn’t mean ignoring the issue.
A Smart, Phased Approach: Putting Undergrounding on the Books
Several local experts and community members believe the city should at least begin the conversation about a long-term, phased approach to undergrounding. This would involve:
- Identifying high-risk areas where undergrounding should be prioritized (e.g., fire-prone zones, major traffic corridors, and school-adjacent areas).
- Seeking creative funding sources to begin early-stage planning and pilot projects.
- Working with utility providers like Southern California Edison (SCE) and Clean Power Alliance to explore partnerships.
- Engaging federal and state representatives, including Rep. Judy Chu, to identify grant and infrastructure funding opportunities.
- Incorporating undergrounding into future city planning, including initiatives like Measure SP.
Funding Options: A Creative Approach
While traditional funding for undergrounding comes from city budgets and ratepayer surcharges, South Pasadena leadership will need to think outside the box to secure funding. Possible sources include:
- State and Federal Infrastructure Grants: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated funding for power grid modernization, including undergrounding projects.
- Public-Private Partnerships: The city could collaborate with developers, energy providers, and large property owners to share costs in targeted areas.
- Utility Underground Districts (UUDs): Pasadena has (maybe) successfully used this model, where designated districts fund undergrounding through localized assessments.
- Green Energy and Resilience Funding: Grants focused on wildfire prevention and climate adaptation could provide financial support.
- Measure SP and Local Bonds: If the community supports infrastructure upgrades, a local bond measure could partially fund undergrounding efforts.
South Pasadena Should Start Taking Steps Towards a Safer Electrical Grid
South Pasadena may not be capable to engage in burying all its power lines today, but a long-term strategy can start now. The health risks of toxic power poles, the growing dangers of pole fires, and the overall aging infrastructure make this a conversation the city can’t keep ignoring; the current South Pasadena City Council is in a unique timing position to get a meaningful plan on the books.
With smart planning, collaboration with state and federal agencies, and innovative funding strategies, South Pasadena can start taking steps toward a safer, more modern electrical grid that will serve the city’s long-term future, rather than reacting to emergencies as they arise.
This is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure opportunity. It’s time for South Pasadena’s leadership to act not just for today but for the next century of residents who will call this city home.