SaskPower says starting this month crews will inspect more than 123,000 wood power poles as part of its annual maintenance program.

There are more than 1.2 million wood power poles are installed throughout Saskatchewan.

In a news release minister responsible Jeremy Harrison says, “Wood poles and transformers are the backbone of SaskPower’s distribution system, and regular maintenance is a cost-effective way to ensure Saskatchewan’s economy and communities have the safe, reliable power they need to grow and thrive.”

Crews will examine poles, crossarms, anchoring cables and other hardware for signs of damage, decay and/or carpenter ant infestation while completing maintenance activities to extend the life of the poles. Any pole that cannot be repaired or reinforced will be marked for replacement.

SaskPower also says inspection and maintenance of wood power poles can double a pole’s lifespan and provide significant cost savings pointing out that maintaining a pole costs less than $65, whereas replacing one costs about $5,000.