| co-op lines


CEC Power Poles Take a Pounding Wind, weather and woodpeckers take a toll on CEC infrastructure


that gives them a solid pounding. T


Over the past year, co-op employees discovered several poles bearing the tell tale signs of powerful pecking. Most damages occurred near heavily wooded areas near Carter Mountain, Hochatown, Antlers and Unger.


Thousands of co-op power poles are scattered across CEC service territory. Over the years, they become susceptible to rot, decay, weather, wildlife, and vandalism. The co-op recently hired a company to complete visual and sound tests on every pole in the CEC system. The company will inspect roughly 6,000 CEC poles per year.


POWER POLE FACTS


$210 Avg. cost for one 40 ft,


class 4 southern pine power pole.


$545 Avg. est. installation cost per 40 ft. single phase power pole.


62,832 Estimated. total number of power poles in the


Choctaw Electric power system.


80% of wooden poles on the market are comprised of southern pine.


lifespan of a wooden pole dependent on soil and climate conditions.


25-50 years Avg.


he wind and weather are hard on Choctaw Electric power poles, but lately it's the wily woodpecker


Jim Malone, CEC director of engineering and operations, said the inspection process is time consuming, but important to protecting the integrity of CEC electric system. The inspections are part of the co-op's bigger push for measurable, longterm improvements in system reliability. In some areas, the co-op plans to replace wooden poles with iron poles. Iron poles are extremely fire resistant— and unattractive to woodpeckers.


Studies show woodpecker damage is the most significant cause of power pole damage in the U.S. While Malone isn't sure what's behind the rash of recent woodpecker-related vandalism, one pole had holes "big enough I could stick a hand in," Malone said.


Researcher and wildlife biologist Richard Harness works for EDM International, a utility consulting company. According to Harness, heat and pressure treated poles leave cavities inside when they cool. Sensing a void inside, the birds drill exploratory holes searching for insects.


Trees, barns, houses and other wooden structures are all potential pecking grounds for woodpeckers. They also drill holes to create nesting cavities. Large holes tend to indicate nesting behavior. In the springtime, woodpeckers drum incessantly to attract mates.


Eleven species of woodpeckers call Oklahoma home. Harness claims pileated woodpeckers and flickers cause the majority of woodpecker related damage to power poles.


CEC power poles took a beating from woodpeckers over the past year. Most problems occurred near wooded areas near Carter Mountain, Hochatown, Unger and Antlers.


If you notice a damaged electric pole in your area, please notify the co-op immediately at 800-780-6486.


Pileated woodpecker. PHOTO/RICHARD HARNESS, EDM INTERNATIONAL.


With no eye witnesses to the CEC's pole damage, co-op personnel are hesitant to blame the crime on a particular type of woodpecker, however, the size of some of the holes seems to indicate a larger bird, most likely a pileated woodpecker.


Photos of one damaged pole(See photo, top left) inspired some amusing theories among CEC employees. The most popular: Flying beavers.


CEC Pole Inspection Underway


Lee Inspection and Consulting services, Inc. is working with CEC to inspect and inventory power poles. Members may notice Lee Inspection employees and vehicles working in the Nashoba area from mid-April through June. When necessary, the company may use off-road vehicles to access poles.


If you have questions regarding the pole inspections, please contact Darrell Ward at 800-780-6486, ext. 201.


6 | APRIL 2017 | CEC Inside Your Co-op


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