Evaluation and Implementation of Alternate Pole Materials to Meet Regulatory Aesthetic Requirements

In the regulated environment of California, Southern California Edison (SCE) faces many challenges in designing overhead lines. It must meet regulatory requirements and seek cost effective solutions while ensuring long term reliability in all environmental conditions. Governmental agencies are concerned about the aesthetics of a project and will require that SCE detail aesthetic considerations prior to approving a project. Due to the varying terrain (deserts, coastal regions, mountains) and environmental conditions (hot, cold, high fire zones), traditional pole materials—steel or wood—may not be acceptable from either an aesthetics or reliability perspective. SCE developed a rigorous program to evaluate and implement the use of alterative pole materials into its transmission and distribution system. Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), ductile iron, weathering steel, and concrete poles as well as various pole coatings are being considered. While these pole materials have been available, the latest technological advances make them suitable for SCE’s consideration. Each material type has its advantages and performs well in certain niche applications. Our paper will discuss the aesthetic and reliability advantages of each material type as well as the rigorous evaluation process which SCE uses to ensure that only high-quality suppliers and materials are approved for the SCE system.