Public Knowledge and Understanding of Overhead Electrical Power Lines: A Second Look

Abstract

Public knowledge and understanding of the hazards associated with overhead power lines were examined in the greater Houston, Texas area. A 1988 public opinion survey was conducted as a follow-up to a similar 1982 survey which found the public to be ill-informed about power lines. Partly as a result of these 1982 findings, the Houston Lighting and Power Company initiated a public education program aimed at increasing its customers' power line hazard knowledge. The program consisted of TV and radio broadcasts, newspaper advertisements, and bill inserts (stuffers). The purpose of the present research was to determine the effects of this educational program. 306 respondents were interviewed by telephone over a two month period. Results of the present survey were similar to those found in 1982 indicating virtually no change occurred in power line hazard knowledge as a result of the safety education program. Specifically, people did not know that power lines are uninsulated, nor did they have an understanding of the amount of electricity transmitted by these lines.