B.C. Hydro crews are going to new heights to ensure local residents have access to power.
The Crown corporation will replace 270 power poles in Vernon this year.
“The work is part of B.C. Hydro’s ongoing maintenance program that will see the replacement of about 12,000 utility poles over the next several months throughout the province,” states a release.
On average, power poles last about 40 to 50 years. However, there are about 70,000 wooden poles in the system that have been in service for more than 50 years.
“Power poles weaken and deteriorate over time due to adverse weather, insects and wildlife,” states the release.
Hydro’s operations include 900,000 wooden poles that hold more than 58,000 kilometres of overhead distribution lines and 278,000 overhead transformers.
To ensure the safety of crews and the public, B.C. Hydro may need to disconnect power when replacing aging power poles.
“Crews will notify customers in-person, by mail or phone about these scheduled outages for maintenance,” states the release.