Executive Summary: Which electrical network to choose: overhead or underground? Underground networks offer higher reliability and protection against winds and salinity, but their installation cost is higher. Overhead networks are cheaper but vulnerable to extreme environmental factors on the Coast. The engineering design must evaluate budget, location, and compliance with RETIE standard safety distances.
When developing a new industrial project, residential complex, or shopping center in Barranquilla, the most critical decision is the energy infrastructure. An error in the design of the Medium Voltage (MV) networks can cost millions in rejections by the grid operator or delays in construction.
At Gestiones Eléctricas SAS, we not only design the blueprints; we build the complete network with our own equipment and deliver the project energized and certified under the RETIE standard.
⚖️ Technical Comparison: Aerial vs. Underground Network
Many builders and architects ask us which one to choose. Before budgeting, consider these engineering criteria to decide what is best for your budget and aesthetics:
1. Aerial Networks (Poles) 🦅
This is the traditional option visible on concrete poles.
- ✅ Advantage: It is between 30% and 40% cheaper to build.
- ✅ Maintenance: Faults are visible and quick to repair.
- ❌ Disadvantage: Greater visual pollution and risk of failures due to tree branches or strong winds.
- Recommended for: Industrial zones, rural roads, or projects with tight budgets.
2. Underground Networks (Ducts) 🚇
All cabling is buried underground in conduits and manholes.
- ✅ Advantage: Clean aesthetics (ideal for modern developments) and greater physical safety (no falling cables).
- ✅ Value Appraisement: Increases the value of the square meter of your project.
- ❌ Disadvantage: Requires more civil work and the initial cost is higher.
- Recommended for: Residential condominiums, modern shopping centers, and business parks.
🚜 Our Comprehensive Infrastructure Solution
Regardless of the option you choose, at Gestiones Eléctricas we execute the entire project without intermediaries:
- Certified Construction:
- For Aerial: We have our own bucket and crane trucks 🚛 for poles erection and cabling, ensuring safety clearances.
- For Underground: We perform excavation, duct placement, inspection boxes construction, and certified dry cable installation.
- Electrical Design and Permits: Our engineering department handles:
- Blueprint designs in AutoCAD and calculation reports.
- Project approval before the Grid Operator (Air-e / Afinia).
- Network Relocation: If you have a pole or cable in the way on your property, we manage the permits and handle the relocation.
- Lighting and Public Lighting: We deliver your roads and parking lots illuminated with LED technology, complying with RETILAP standards. 💡
📣 Ready to start your electrical construction?
Do not risk your investment with informal contractors. Ensure a durable and legalized infrastructure from day one.
👇 Quote your grid project with us: