NOV
2020
• Tropical Storm Zeta • Remote Workshops • Flu vs. COVID-19
EMPLOYEE NEWS
life of a
POWER POLE
WE VALUE
Jackson EMC is committed to supplying reliable electric service to our members and
this would not be possible without the 134,000 wooden power poles that support the
PERFORMANCE
distribution system. These poles have unique lifecycles and typically last an average of 40 years. During that time, our pole population undergoes multiple rounds of testing to verify each pole’s structural integrity. Assessments are completed by Osmose Utilities Services and give our engineers a report of the condition of our wooden poles,
Power poles that do not pass this inspection are deemed to be at the end of their life and are rejected.
especially at the ground level where decay is common. The overall process allows our poles to reach their intended age; thereby, extending their lifecycles and reducing the pole failure rate. Power poles that do not pass this inspection are deemed to be at the end of their life and are rejected. Once rejected, overhead line crews replace the pole, and the new pole lifecycle begins.
134,000
total wooden poles
16–17k
average number of poles to be inspected by Osmose yearly
40 YEARS 14,184
average lifetime of a pole
poles inspected 2020 YTD
3,142
poles rejected 2020 YTD