Pearl River Valley Electric CEO Matthew Ware answers a member submitted question about metal power poles.
Q. Why don’t all the electric cooperatives get together and agree to start using metal power poles instead of wood? I know the cost would be greater, but this could be done in increments. I believe metal poles would withstand our severe storms and hurricanes better than wood.
A: This is an excellent question, and it’s one we hear from time to time, especially after major storms or hurricanes. At first glance, replacing wood poles with metal poles may seem like an obvious solution. While metal poles do offer advantages in certain situations, the decision is much more complex than simply choosing one material over another.
When comparing different types of poles, a key factor to consider is the significantly higher costs associated with metal poles versus wood. At Pearl River Valley Electric, we maintain more than 6,300 miles of power lines supported by well over 100,000 utility poles across our 12-county service area. An average treated wood distribution pole costs around $200, while a comparable metal pole can cost in excess of $1,200. When you multiply that difference across thousands of poles, the additional investment quickly reaches into the millions of dollars, and these costs would ultimately be borne by our members.
Even replacing poles gradually over time isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Utilities generally don’t replace poles simply because they reach a certain age. Instead, poles are replaced when they no longer meet safety standards, when they are damaged, or when system upgrades require a stronger or taller structure. Replacing a perfectly sound wood pole years before the end of its useful life would not be a responsible use of our members’ money.
That said, we do use metal poles where they make the most sense. Pearl River Valley Electric has replaced wood poles with metal poles in certain locations that are especially difficult for our line crews to access. Because these areas can be challenging and time-consuming to reach, installing a stronger, longer-lasting metal pole can reduce the likelihood of future replacements and minimize the need for crews to return to those remote locations. This targeted approach allows us to take advantage of metal’s benefits where they provide the greatest value.
Another important, and often overlooked, benefit of wood poles is their remarkable durability. Many people are surprised to learn that properly treated wood poles can remain in service for 40 to 60 years, and often longer depending on environmental conditions. These poles have served electric utilities reliably for generations and continue to be the industry standard for most distribution systems across the country.
To ensure our poles remain dependable, Pearl River Valley Electric has an extensive pole inspection and maintenance program. Contract crews regularly inspect poles throughout our system, testing them for decay, damage, and structural integrity. Poles that no longer meet our standards are scheduled for replacement before they become a reliability concern. This proactive approach allows us to maintain a safe, reliable system while making the best use of our members’ investment.
It’s also worth noting that no type of utility pole is completely hurricane-proof. During the strongest storms, damage is often caused by falling trees, flying debris, saturated soil, or extreme wind forces that can damage virtually any structure. Whether a pole is wood, metal, or concrete, severe weather can still result in outages. Furthermore, when it comes to power restoration, wood poles are lighter and much faster to replace after a major storm or hurricane, helping restore power to members more quickly.
At Pearl River Valley Electric, reliability is always our top priority. Rather than replacing every wood pole with metal, we focus on a balanced approach: inspecting and maintaining our existing infrastructure, replacing poles when necessary, strategically installing metal poles where they provide the greatest long-term benefit, strengthening our system, and investing in technologies and equipment that improve reliability while keeping electric service affordable.
Every dollar we spend comes from the members we serve. Our responsibility is to make decisions that provide the greatest long-term value, ensuring a safe, reliable electric system not just for today, but for generations to come.
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