CIPCO is investing in the future of its transmission infrastructure by using ductile iron poles starting with 2025 projects.

With a lifespan more than double that of traditional wooden poles, ductile iron poles are more resistant to damage by animals, pests, high winds and general decay than wood poles. Cost for the poles is about 10-15% higher than wood, but the slightly higher upfront costs are offset by increased reliability, longer life spans and lower labor costs.

“The investment we’re making today is a meaningful step toward modernizing our electric grid and ensuring continued reliable service to our Member-owners,” said Director, Engineering and Operations Terry Fett.

In December 2023, Fett, Sr. Engineer Adam Clymer and Manager of System Operations Chad Hildreth traveled to Provo, Utah, to visit McWane Ductile, a manufacturer of ductile iron poles. During the visit, staff was able to get an up-close look at the process of creating the poles from scrap iron to completion.

“We were impressed at how McWane stands behind their product,” Fett added. “They work to make a consistent product and they have been responsive to any questions concerning quality.”

Using ductile iron poles will eventually cut down on the number of line inspections and will be equipped with longer insulators to help reduce the number of outages made by bird contacts. CIPCO will use two types of poles: one without climbing capability for ROW areas that can be addressed with a bucket truck, and one that can be climbed for more remote areas.

Another benefit is reducing the temptation for thieves to target copper ground wire.

“The pole itself provides the path to ground for live electricity, so we can eliminate the copper ground wire and hopefully eliminate copper thieves from targeting these lines,” Hildreth said. “Removing it will also help eliminate outages due to loosened ground wires.”

He added the poles will continue to use the T2 conductor as CIPCO has for the last 38 years to help mitigate galloping during ice and wind conditions, and will continue to string a static shield wire / Optical Ground Wire to provide adequate lightning protection.

“There are so many positives about using ductile iron poles that we feel confident this is the right time for CIPCO to proceed with implementing them system-wide,” Fett said.