UK Power Networks (UKPN), which delivers electricity to 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the South East and East, is pioneering a new approach to reinforcing overhead lines.
The wooden poles that help guide 45,000 kilometres worth of overhead lines across rural areas can decay and get damaged by debris during storms over time, raising the risk of power cuts for local communities as they can move. That is why UKPN has turned to steel support trusses that are driven six feet into the ground, hug the side of the pole, and are able to strengthen it against winds and third-party damage.
It has installed 8,000 so far in locations such as Luton, King’s Lynn, rural Kent and the Norfolk Coast as it looks to upgrade 70,000 through ongoing investment. Crucially, these trusses can be installed safely while the network is carrying live electricity. This is a big advantage compared to replacing the whole pole where power has to be turned off, allowing operators to work.
The trusses can cope with more than half a tonne of pulling force, which equates to 1,322 pounds per square foot. For means of comparison, 100mph winds are worth 25.6 pounds per square foot. Further benefits include how multiple pole supports can be installed per day and the fact they can also be re-used with new poles when required.
Ian Young, Asset Strategy Manager at UKPN, said: “The supports, which have been used in the US for decades, can see up to eight installations completed in the time it takes for one traditional replacement, whilst reducing our environmental impact and reliance on imported timber. Power supplies are already 99.9% reliable and this solution enhances our repair toolkit, improves customer service, and supports our sustainability goals.”
