Wood Pole Testing

What & Why

The PUD’s Wood Pole Test Program inspects approximately 10 percent of the PUD’s poles each year, with the goal to inspect each pole on a 10-year cycle. This program extends the life expectancy of PUD wood poles and helps maintain reliable electrical service. A Chelan County PUD contractor will be performing routine maintenance by testing some electrical wood distribution poles throughout the county this year. 

When & What to Expect

• Work will take place on the wood distribution poles in several areas throughout the county, and impacted stakeholders will receive notification. 
• The PUD contractor may need to access poles on or near your property.
• Crews will dig approximately 18 inches around each pole, drill holes into the pole, inspect the pole, and fill the dirt holes around the pole.
• The contractor will notify the PUD of any poles that are in need of replacement. Poles will be replaced, as needed, by PUD crews at a later date.
• Working hours are generally Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• We do not anticipate any impacts to traffic as part of this work. 

Power Pole Testing & Fire Prevention Work:
July - November 2024

WHAT & WHY: A Chelan County PUD contractor, Alamon, is performing routine maintenance and fire prevention along transmission (high-voltage) and distribution (low-voltage) lines around the county. Each wood pole in the PUD’s electrical system is inspected on a 10-year cycle. This program helps extend the life of the poles, protects the electrical system from fires, and maintains reliable service.

WHERE:

• Work will take place along the transmission lines throughout Chelan County and on the distribution lines in central Wenatchee and west Cashmere.

WHEN & WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Work is scheduled to begin in July and continue through November.
• You may see the contractor crew working around poles on or near your property.
• Working hours are generally Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
• For pole inspection, crews will dig approximately 18 inches around each pole, drill holes into the pole, inspect the pole, then replace the dirt.
• Where fire prevention is needed, crews will dig approximately 6 inches around each pole, apply fire-retardant paint about 6 feet up each pole, then replace the dirt.
• Crews will also clear combustible materials from around the base of poles as needed.
• Where necessary, poles will be replaced by PUD crews at a later date.
  
  

Questions?