As is the case with most rural electric cooperatives, Guthrie County REC is almost totally dependent upon the use of wooden poles. Even though the poles we use are initially treated to resist decay, all wooden poles will decay over time and ultimately need to be replaced.

Though the lifespan of a typical wooden pole is about 30 years, the decay rate varies depending on soil type, moisture levels, temperatures and the type of wood. To ensure our poles are safe and useful, Guthrie County REC contracts with Osmose Utilities Services to inspect them as part of our yearly maintenance plan.

How we inspect and test poles
The process involves visually inspecting each pole for woodpecker holes, significant cracks, signs of termite and carpenter ant activity, or any other defect that may result in pole failure and/or rejection.

The contractor will then do a sound and bore test of the pole that is below ground. While a visual inspection is valuable and essential in evaluating the overall condition of a pole, any internal decay below the ground line would go undetected if not for our pole inspection program.

Poles that fail inspection will be slated for replacement in the year following the inspection.

By continuing our Pole Inspection/Pole Replacement Program, we have extended the useful life of our wooden poles, reduced maintenance costs and increased the reliability and safety of our electric system for all our member-consumers.