Abstract:
The objective of this research is to analyze the feasibility of an investment in an electric power
distribution system for housing estates with both installation types; underground and overhead. The
analysis was undertaken by comparing both installation types in four dimensions which are
marketing, financing, technical issues, and administration. The marketing data was collected with
290 questionnaires given to inhabitants in housing estates. Financing data was collected from actual
construction budget, whereas technical and administration data were collected by interviewing 9
persons in related fields.
From the study on marketing feasibility, the overall satisfaction of respondents is high. It is
interesting to note that the respondents who know that their housing estate deploys an underground
high-voltage power distribution system have a higher level of satisfaction than the respondents who
do not know. According to the study on fmancial feasibility and the consideration of the ratio
between the installation cost of high-voltage power distribution system, the construction cost of
public utility, the cost of house construction, and the marketing cost, the ratio of the underground
installation type is higher than the ratio of the overhead power supply. However, the installation
type of high-voltage power supply affects neither capital structure nor the selling period of housing
estate. From the study on technical and administration feasibility, considering specifically in terms
of design, construction, maintenance, and repair, the underground high-voltage power distribution
system requires higher knowledge, skill and expertise than the overhead high-voltage power
distribution system does.