West Penn Power Continues Pole Inspections/Replacement
More than 2,600 wooden utility poles will be inspected by West Penn Power in 2017 as part of the annual inspection program. (KP File Photo)
Beginning in January, West Penn Power (which has a maintenance office in East Franklin Township) will again inspect about 2,600 wooden utility poles in Kittanning for signs of wear, insect infestation or damage from motor vehicle accidents as part of the company’s annual inspection program.
As a result of the inspections, the company expects to replace or repair 370 wooden utility poles this year, which would stretch about three miles if laid end to end.
A standard 40-foot wooden distribution pole typically is expected to last more than 50 years. The most common utility pole is made from a Southern Yellow Pine tree and
costs about $400. West Penn Power will spend more than $1.6 million to inspect, replace and repair utility poles in 2016.
West Penn Power President David W. McDonald said the inspection and replacement program is designed to help enhance service reliability for local customers.
“While certainly durable, these poles are subject to damage from severe weather, falling trees, and traffic accidents. West Penn Power’s utility poles are vital to the
delivery of electricity to homes and businesses in our service area. Over time, some poles need to be replaced or repaired to help ensure reliable operations,” McDonald said in a news release.
Typically, specialized contractors perform the pole inspections. As part of the process, a visual inspection is completed, along with checking the pole to determine if the interior is sound. Poles also can be reinforced rather than replaced. One of the most common reinforcement techniques is to snug a C-shaped steel beam against the pole, jackhammer the beam into the ground, and secure it to the pole with tight, metal bands.
All wood poles throughout the 24-county West Penn Power service territory are inspected on a 12-year cycle. Inspections began in January and continued through the summer, with pole replacements and repairs scheduled to be completed during the fall.
The Kittanning utility poles are part of the company’s overall 30,400 to be inspected.
West Penn Power inspected about 30,425 wooden poles in and around the state in 2016.
West Penn Power serves about 720,000 customers in 24 Pennsylvania counties.
Local News | jweaver November 28, 2016
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