One of the unfortunate side effects of Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s ongoing financial and managerial problems is that Tokyo's utility lines may never get buried. The Tokyo metropolitan government started burying lines in Tokyo in 1986, as part of the city's improved disaster-prevention measures.
Tepco and other private companies managing power lines were expected to bear some of the expense. Now, however, as problems continue with the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant, Tepco has notified the Tokyo government it may no longer be able to bear the cost.
Utility poles are some of the most fragile infrastructure. They are easily damaged, making roads immediately difficult or impassable. Overhead power lines carry high voltage that can be extremely dangerous and cause fires, one of the most serious postquake dangers.