Sec. 102.4. Advantage-disadvantage analysis

(a)

(1) The advantage-disadvantage analysis required by this section is designed to provide a framework by which the features or facts which support one or another mode of construction can be identified clearly. Particular circumstances which reduce or enhance the benefits or affect the costs of underground construction, identified in the advantage-disadvantage analysis, will provide the basis for decision. Examples of factors which may affect a decision to underground would include the availability of suitable existing corridors, or the likelihood of pronounced visual impact.

(2) The advantage-disadvantage analysis required by this section shall include at a minimum the items enumerated in section 102.4 of this Part. Data and/or all pertinent information for each item must be presented for both the underground and overhead alternative. The analysis of cost should be made on a present-worth basis for both alternatives over a period long enough to allow for appropriate incremental construction. Each submission shall contain an explanation of why the proposed transmission facility or portion thereof should be placed overhead or underground.

(b) The analysis shall include:

(1) Availability of existing corridors suitable for additional transmission facilities. (The availability of suitable existing corridors through a priority area, for example, may reduce the relative benefits of underground construction.)

(2) Capital construction costs. (Costs that may be capitalized under the uniform system of accounts.)

(3) Construction expense costs. (Costs that may not be capitalized.)

(4) Right-of-way acquisition costs.

(5) Anticipated total operation and maintenance costs including power losses for the depreciable life of the plant, discounted to present-worth, when the present worth of such losses is significant in comparison to other costs (section 102.2[a][2][ii], [iii], and [iv] of this Part).

(6) Relevant technological considerations.

(7) The relative effect on vegetation, wildlife, soils, erosion, streams, and other such natural features (as noted in biological surveys, water quality ratings, and land management policies and practices) of the construction methods proposed.

(8) The relative visual impact including incremental impact compared to existing surroundings.

(9) Relative availability of right-of-way for other uses: e.g., parks, recreation, farming, transportation.