Have you ever wondered what factors go into restoring your power? Or maybe you've asked the age-old question of, "what is taking so long to get my power back?"
A pole may need to be replaced for various reasons, including vehicle accidents, storms, or failure to pass inspection. There are more than 30,000 poles throughout our system, and each pole replacement is different. It's much more than just digging a hole and sliding a new pole in the ground.
Here's what typically goes into an emergency after-hours pole replacement caused by a vehicle accident:
First, we'll be notified of a power outage by our monitoring system. Then, we'll dispatch lineworkers to visit the pole and assess the damage. Depending on the location or weather conditions, this part may take 30 minutes to an hour.
The first person on the scene will immediately ensure the location is safe for emergency personnel to approach the vehicle and the people in it. Next, they'll wait for a tow truck to arrive to remove the automobile.
Then, if the pole needs replaced, they'll de-energize the line following established safety procedures. Next, they will call for a crew of three or four others to come with a bucket truck and a new pole.
When the entire crew arrives with the needed equipment, they will begin setting a new pole, removing equipment from the broken pole, and attaching it to the new pole.
Poles are buried around six feet in the ground. The buried part of the broken pole will be pulled out with the hydraulic lift on a truck. Sometimes it's necessary to dig a new hole. Once all equipment is back in place, the protective gear is removed, and an all-clear is given, the power will be restored.
The average pole replacement could take up to 3 - 4 hours under favorable conditions but could take longer depending on the weather or unforeseen circumstances. Our crews work as quickly and safely as possible to get your power restored.
