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 wood transmission and distribution poles throughout the county. 

When & What to Expect

  • Work will take place on wood poles in several areas throughout the county. Impacted property owners 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:
April - September 2025

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 transmission and distribution lines throughout Chelan County.

WHEN & WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • Work is scheduled to begin in April 2025 and continue through September 2025.
  • 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 mesh wrap 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?

Send questions to customeroutreach@chelanpud.org