The cost of extending a power line to a home or other facility depends on the electric utility company's line extension policy, the distance from existing electrical distribution lines and the customer's rate class (e.g., residential, commercial, irrigation). If the local company has a generous line extension policy and a home or facility is located close to existing distribution lines, the cost of a line extension for electric service will be affordable.

However, if the local company expects the customer to pay for all line construction costs and the home or facility is far from existing distribution lines, electric utility service may not be a viable choice.

Your local electric utility company can give you an estimate of cost to extend a line to your home or facility. With line construction costs typically ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 per mile or more and significant upkeep costs, it may be to the electric utility company's benefit and to the customers benefit to find an alternative to a line extension.

Alternative sources of power include wind powered generators, low head hydro-electric generators and PV systems. Of the three, PV systems are most popular because of their low maintenance requirements and because of more consistent availability of solar energy.

The economic choice between a power line extension and an alternative such as a PV system requires careful analysis and examination. A line extension usually involves a one-time major construction expense, plus monthly electric bills. A PV system, will involve an up front major expense for equipment, followed by years of "free" electricity from the sun. However, the PV option will require replacement of storage batteries every three to 10 years, plus minimal maintenance during its 30-year life span. If a back-up generator is used to supplement the PV system, there will also be additional costs for its fuel and maintenance.