As a not-for-profit utility, Dawson PPD focuses on cost-effectively extending the life of its existing facilities while maintaining adequate levels of safety and reliability. Testing wooden poles helps the District ensure reliability and long life of its equipment, saving customers money in the long run.
Traditionally, pole testing involved a hammer for sounding, a shovel for digging around the base and drilling holes to test for decay. Today, Dawson PPD hires a contractor that uses a scientifically-based system called POLUX as a less-invasive and more accurate form of testing.
POLUX works by sending two, three inch long probes the size of an eight-penny nail into the base of the utility pole. This is the most vulnerable point where decay is most likely to occur on a pole. The probes measure resistance and moisture content of the pole. This information, along with the type of wood the pole is made of and how it was treated are run through a computer program with the pole’s GPS location recorded.
Typically, Dawson PPD uses a Southern Yellow Pine tree for its poles, which should have a resistance of 8,000 pounds per square inch when new. If the measurement falls below 50 percent of the recommended resistance, in this case 4,000 PSI, the pole is marked for replacement.
All of Dawson PPD’s poles are tested every 10 years on a rotating schedule with 10,000-11,000 poles tested annually.
OTHER NEWS
Dawson PPD Board Approves Wildfire Mitigation Plan, Reviews Financials and 2027 Budget Projections
At the October meeting, the Dawson Public Power District Board of Directors approved a Wildfire Mitigation Plan, reviewed August financial performance, and discussed preliminary projections for the 2027 budget.
Tree Trimming to begin NOVEMBER 2 in HERSHEY
Leetch Tree Service, a contractor hired by Dawson PPD, will begin trimming trees and limbs in the Hershey area starting Monday, November 2, 2026.
Important Transfer Switch Policy Updates You Need to Know
If you are planning to install a backup generator or update your existing standby power setup, please take note of recent updates to Dawson PPD’s installation policies.