Hydro to replace aging poles

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – B.C. Hydro will be replacing 160 hydro poles in the community this year. Poles tend to last 40-50 years, and there are approximately 70,000 poles that have been in service for 50 years.

Wooden poles eventually weaken as a result of adverse weather, insects, and wildlife.

In all there are approximately 900,000 poles in the province according to a Hydro release. The work is part of a program will see the replacement of 12,000 poles over the next number of months.

Going forward Hydro may need to disconnect power during the process to ensure the safety of its workers and the public.