Bob Miller
Manager of Purchasing, Facilities & Fleet
Utility line poles have evolved significantly. From simple wooden poles to materials like fiberglass, concrete and ductile iron, these poles have adapted to the changing needs of our industry.
Wood
Historically inexpensive, wooden poles are typically made from pressure-treated pine. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and have good insulating properties. Dawson PPD primarily uses Northern Red Pine or Southern Yellow Pine for its distribution poles, and Douglas Fir for its large transmission poles.
Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel poles are strong, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly due to their coating and recyclability. Dawson PPD has used this type of pole in the past when steel prices were more reasonable.
Fiberglass Poles
Fiberglass poles emerged as a lightweight, durable alternative to wood. Made from reinforced plastic, these poles are resistant to rot, corrosion and insect damage. They are also non-conductive and serve well in storm-prone areas.
Concrete Poles
Concrete poles offer exceptional strength and durability. Concrete poles are resistant to fire, rot and pests. First used in the early 20th century, these poles are particularly suited for areas with high wind loads, such as coastal regions and hurricane-prone areas.
Engineered Laminated Poles
Engineered laminated wood poles have advanced utility infrastructure. Their combination of strength, durability, sustainability and design flexibility allows them to be used in a number of situations. As the demand for reliable and sustainable infrastructure continues to grow, these poles are likely to play an increasingly important role.
Ductile Iron Poles
Ductile iron poles combine the strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of iron. These poles are robust, able to withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy loads. Ductile iron poles are also resistant to vandalism and have a long service life, making them a cost-effective option for many applications. With the increasing costs of wood poles and the longevity of Ductile iron, Dawson PPD is currently looking into using these poles for some future projects.
OTHER NEWS
Between the lines: Rates and affordability
By Gwen Kautz, Dawson PPD General Manager gkautz (at) dawsonpower.com 308-324-2386 The question I get asked most often is whether or not Dawson PPD will have a rate increase. More often than not, I can’t give a black and white answer until our year is coming to a...
The most energy efficient home in Nebraska
When you see the word, ENERGY STAR, you may think of appliances, insulation and light bulbs. But what about a house as a whole? ENERGY STAR Certified Homes are an innovative way to look at new home construction. For one Kearney family, the long-term cost savings was...
Energizing education within the classroom
On the surface, it wouldn’t seem that public power and a classroom are a good fit. What could an electric utility teach students, anyway? But peering in over the edge, it becomes clear: energy education. “Public power utilities can offer schools creative learning...