B.C. Hydro will replace 756 wood utility poles in Greater Victoria this year.
The work is part of B.C. Hydro’s maintenance program that will see the replacement of more than 12,000 utility poles this year throughout the province to improve the safety and reliability of the electrical system, said spokesperson Mora Scott.
B.C. Hydro maintains 900,000 wood poles as part of its 56,000 kilometre electricity distribution system that delivers power to homes and businesses. More than 20 per cent of B.C. Hydro’s wooden poles have been in service for more than 40 years.
“Over time, wooden poles weaken due to adverse weather, insects and wildlife. B.C. Hydro regularly inspects the old poles to determine their strength and will install new poles once they reach end-of-life,” Scott said.
Pole replacements may require B.C. Hydro to disconnect power. If these maintenance outages need to be scheduled for safety reasons, B.C. Hydro will let customers know in-person, by mail or phone.
Last year, B.C. Hydro replaced 1,234 utility poles in the Capital Region.