Cost To Run Power 1000 Feet (Detailed Guide With Several AMP Examples)

Running power lines up to 1000 feet is a very long distance. You can run lines properly if you follow the right rules. The matter of concern is the cost since the distance is so long. Today, we will share the required cost for installation, both overhead and underground.

Running the power lines for 1000 feet can cost about $4,500-$20,000. It will be less in the case of overhead power lines, around $5000-$10,000, and higher for underground power lines, $10,000-$20,000. The cost may vary depending on terrain difficulty and the cable and conduit used for the same.

The costs can be either more or less based on the location, work difficulty, utility companies, discount offers, doing work yourself, etc. This article will give a detailed guide about the cost of the power line installation 1000 feet.

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Table of Contents

What is the difference between underground and overhead power lines?

The power lines for 1000 feet can be run both overhead and underground. It depends on the house owner’s choice.

Both have their benefits and drawbacks.

Some people prefer underground power lines, and some go for overhead power lines.

Underground lines

Underground lines are very costly. But the benefits they provide us are worth the cost:

The power lines cannot get bent or disturbed by any trees or debris. They will remain in their position.

The underground lines stay safe during heavy rains and thunderstorms.
Underground power lines are known to lose less power than overhead lines. So they will last longer.
No one can tamper with the underground lines.

Despite these benefits, a drawback of this power line is they will not remain safe if you live in flood-prone areas like New South Wales.

The underground power lines installation cost can also increase based on the underlying topography.

Overhead power lines

Overhead power lines are not as beneficial as the underground, but they can still benefit you in the following ways:

The troubles in the power lines can be easily identified and fixed anytime.
The lines may get affected by thunderstorms but not by floods. So you can install them in flood-prone areas.
The overhead power lines are cheaper than the underground lines.

Also read: Who Is Responsible For Power Line From Pole To House?

What is the cost to run power 1000 feet?

The average cost to run the power lines 1000 feet is around $4,500 to $20,000.

The price may sometimes rise to $30,000, depending on the location or other factors.

Many factors determine the cost of running the power lines at such distances.

Also read: How Much Does It Cost To Run Power Lines Underground?

Below are the factors and the estimated cost:

Overhead and underground lines

You have learned that overhead power lines are cheaper than underground ones.

As a result, the cost for the two individual procedures will hugely differ.

The average high and low-end cost is between $4,500 and $20,000.

If you want to run the power lines 1000 feet overhead, it can cost somewhere between $4,000 to $5,000.

But, for running the power lines underground, expect the price to be around $10,000 to $30,000.

In some places, an approximate cost to run power lines underground at such a distance is around $8,250.

The overhead power line installation costs $10 per foot in some areas.

In that case, the overhead will cost $10,000 for 1000 feet.

Since underground is costly, it will start at $30-$40 per foot.

In that case, the underground cost would be nearly $30,000 to $40,000.

The cost will be more if you add the other expenses like the wire, trenching, or labor per hour.

It can stay within $30,000, too, depending on the area you live in and the work challenge.

Labor costs

The labor costs also add to this approximate range.

The amount will vary depending on the work duration and difficulty.

The whole project is divided among contractors – some plan the layout, dig trenches, and install conduits for underground purposes.

Generally, you will pay the whole amount to the general contractors.

They will further divide themselves.

Here is an estimated breakdown of the total payable amount:

The general contractors will take 10% to 20% of the total project cost.
The trench specialists will charge around $400 to $1,200.
The electricians will charge $50 to $100 per hour, based on the work difficulty.

Equipment cost

For such large projects, you will need both smaller and larger equipment.

They will take up at least 30% to 40% of expenses from the total project bill.

One includes an excavating machine to create trenches for underground power lines.

Renting the digger would cost around $300 to $550 per day.

Trench work

Trench work payment includes both the machine and the workers.

The trenching machine you rent would require $300 to $550 daily.

You need to pay the contractor around $400 to $1,200.

It may vary if the contractors charge a certain amount for every foot.

Ask your contractor about it.

You can save excavators’ expenses by trenching yourself.

You pay only for renting the excavating machine.

For that, you must have the experience to create trenches.

However, I don’t recommend that since it is a large project.

Hiring professionals is always better.

You may end up hurting other underground lines.

If you must do it yourself, call for dig-safe to help you mark certain locations where you should not use the digging machine.

You should have a license to do this work.

Conduit

A conduit is a tube through which you will run the conductors.

The conduits protect the wires from all physical damage.

The type of conduit you chose for this work can affect the price.

Generally, the average cost of conduits is $8 per linear foot.

Most house owners use galvanized rigid metal or PVC Schedule 40 conduits.

The galvanized metal conduits are waterproof and good for shorter trenches in the raceway or direct burial.

The PVC conduits are lighter and more expensive.

They are topped with a concrete finish to be safe from harsh weather conditions.

The PVC Schedule 40 conduits come in different types – the regular and the non-metallic 0.5 inches.

The non-metallics add an extra $0.25 per foot.

Wire cost

The common wires are copper wires for both overhead and underground power lines.

Copper wires are the best ones as they are good conductors of electricity.

They can carry enough current loads for longer distances without overheating.

Aluminum is also a good choice but only good for a short distance.

The wires get heated up easily.

You can negotiate with your power company and ask for their suggestions.

The cost will vary depending on the amp service.

For example, if you use a 150 or 200-amp circuit, which is common in most standard houses, you will require a 1-2 AWG copper wire.

Copper would be best for such long distances.

A 2 AWG copper wire for 1000 feet would cost nearly $1,600.

1 AWG would cost more.

You can save some money by buying copper-clad aluminum.

These wires have copper fittings at the end, giving some copper benefits.

Experts suggest using pure copper due to the distance.

Amp services

Higher amp services will need low gauge numbers.

The lower the gauge number, the higher the price.

A 200 amp requires 2 AWG wires, and a 400 amp service will require 1,000 kcmil wire.

For instance, if a 200 amp power line installation costs $8,000, a 400 amp service will cost nearly $15,000.

Similarly, it can cost nearly $2,000-$3,000 to install power lines for a 50 amp circuit.

The price can change based on overhead and underground.

You need to discuss that with your power company.

Location

The surrounding condition of your living area can affect the project price, especially during the underground power line installation.

If there are many trees, you need laborers to cut them down and pay them extra money.

But you can save this extra expense if there aren’t any trees.

Installing power lines in urban areas will charge at least 10 to 15 times more than in rural areas.

For underground power lines, the conduit price can be nearly around $20 to $40 per foot.

So, if you live in a very modern or provincial location, the prices might be more than those mentioned in this article.

Utility company

Some good companies provide good offers and discounts for contacting them.

You need to look out for those good companies and choose the right option for offers to save extra money.

Besides, these companies will help speed up the project work and do everything correctly.

That would help in avoiding silly mistakes and saving you from extra charges.

What does the local code say about running power lines 1000 feet?

Before you start working on the project, you must go through the NEC and the local codes.

You must abide by the NEC (National Electric Code) rules if your locality does not have its local codes.

But if you have local codes which are different from what NEC mentions, you should prioritize the local codes and ignore the NEC codes.

If you want to do any work by yourself related to the project, ensure you are experienced enough and have the license to do such jobs.

Some people try saving money during the underground power lines by trenching.

But they must possess the license.

If your local code doesn’t allow a layperson for it, you have to hire licensed contractors.

It is always the best option because they can do the work perfectly and faster than you without committing mistakes.

Can I save money?

As you know, installing the power lines overhead and underground is quite costly, the latter being very expensive.

So, here are some tips to save money while running the power lines:

Find a good company that offers you very good offers and discounts. They will also do the work much better and faster without any mistakes.
Research the codes, permits, and rules required for such huge projects. It helps you avoid extra charges while violating the rules and not having the required permissions.

Use your experience in collecting the right equipment and electrical trade. Some house owners are experts and have licenses for such work as trenching.
Since the project is large, the money to invest is a lot. So, you spend your money carefully. Avoid making mistakes, as that can demand more expenses. It is better to hire professionals than to do it yourself, no matter how experienced you are.

Final thoughts

The exact cost to run the power lines for 1000 feet, both overhead and underground, is difficult to determine.

However, an average cost range would be between $4,500 and $20,000.

Sometimes, the price can rise to $30,000 and $40,000 depending on the cost of labor, work challenge, location, and other things.

The prices in urban areas are 10-15 times higher than in rural areas.

So, you should be ready for it.

It is best to hire experts.

They will do things quickly and correctly.

Even if you have experience, you might make mistakes, like hurting the underground pipelines.

That will increase the price.

Data Source: National Electrical Code, NEC Wire Table, Electrical wiring, Home wiring.