SEPD has asked the public, local authorities and charities to nominate sections of overhead lines that are normally carried across officially designated beauty spots that they would like to see go underground.
The distribution network operator (DNO) will then work with planning offices with responsibility for national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty to help it compare and prioritise the nominated sections.
The cost to underground the overhead sections can vary due to the voltage, length of circuit and geography, and these will be considered when selecting the final areas.
SEPD stakeholder engagement manager Kirstine Wood said: “This is a great opportunity for the public to help us decide which overhead lines and wooden poles should be replaced by underground cables, and to help enhance the visual appeal of national parks and areas of natural beauty.
“Overhead power lines play a key part in ensuring a safe, reliable and cost effective electricity network, but we also realise that some people feel they can have a detrimental impact on the views of the natural environment. That’s why we are launching this programme.
“Undergrounding overhead lines is expensive and can often cause more damage to the environment than wooden poles or towers, so we will carefully consider each nominated area, working closely with other utilities, landowners and public bodies to plan and identify the best areas where we can do the work.”