B.C. Hydro crews will hit the streets once again this year to replace 229 aging power poles in Vernon.
The work is part of the utility’s ongoing maintenance program to replace more than 10,000 wooden distribution poles over the next few months across the province.
“Power poles are kind of like people. After about 40 to 50 years of work, on average, they are ready to retire. Adverse weather, insects and wildlife all contribute to the deterioration of the poles over time,” states a release.
B.C. Hydro maintains and operates a vast and complex electrical system in B.C., which includes 900,000 wooden poles that hold more than 58,000 kilometres of overhead distribution lines and 278,000 overhead transformers.
“Replacing power poles is one of the investments B.C. Hydro is making in aging infrastructure to improve the safety and reliability of the electricity system,” states the release.
“To ensure the safety of our crews and the public, B.C. Hydro may need to disconnect power when replacing power poles. Crews will notify customers in-person, by mail or phone about these scheduled outages for maintenance.”