Transmission line EMF mitigation: managing the uncertainty

Transmission and distribution utilities are still investigating ways in which they can reduce public fear of adverse health effects from exposure to magnetic fields. Responding to utilities' need in this area, a comprehensive effort has been initiated to provide utilities with the tool they need to develop their own strategies for meeting EMF abatement goals in the most cost-effective manner. In order to define how well potential solutions can satisfy utility problems, a list of prioritized criteria used in utility decision making was developed. The criteria were grouped into four major categories: technical performance; cost; environmental issues; and risks. A multi-attribute analysis can help policy makers identify least-cost mitigation strategies from a global perspective.