Torre Baró to Underground Power Cables

The city of Barcelona has committed 14 million euros to bury overhead electrical cables in the Torre Baró neighborhood. This investment targets the root cause of frequent power outages that have plagued the area for years.

While the city focuses on fiber optic installations, older electrical infrastructure remains a critical issue in several districts. The project addresses a historic demand from the local community to modernize the grid and improve the neighborhood's aesthetic appeal.

The ayuntamiento (city council) has officially announced a major financial commitment to improve local infrastructure. The investment totals 14 million euros, specifically allocated to hide a portion of the exposed electrical wiring.

This decision comes as the city grapples with the visual impact of modern infrastructure. While much of the public debate centers on the proliferation of fiber optic cables, the underlying electrical grid in older neighborhoods continues to cause problems.

Overhead cabling is a persistent issue across several districts of Barcelona. The problem is most visible in the Horta-Guinardó and Sants-Montjuïc districts, though it is also present in Sant Andreu and Les Corts.

However, the situation is most severe in the Nou Barris district. Within this district, the neighborhood of Torre Baró stands out as the area most affected by the exposed electrical infrastructure.

The local asociación de vecinos (neighborhood association) has long campaigned for this upgrade. They view the undergrounding of cables as a necessary step for the community's safety and aesthetics.

While the association has not given thanks for the delay, stating the project should have arrived sooner, they have celebrated that the work is finally happening. The move is expected to reduce theft and improve the reliability of the power supply.

The 14 million euro project represents a significant step forward for Torre Baró. By addressing the constant apagones de luz (constant blackouts), the city aims to improve the quality of life for residents and modernize the district's infrastructure.