2022-031 DME Distribution Pole Inspection and Replacement ProjectDate: May 20, 2022 Report No. 2022-031
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
DME Distribution Pole Inspection and Replacement Project
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
DME operates and maintains approximately 360 miles of aerial distribution lines. The lines are
installed on wood, concrete, and steel poles. Most of the poles on the DME system are wood and
range in age from 50 plus years to less than one. Most utilities assume that their wood poles
provide 30 to 40 years of service life.
DISCUSSION:
In 2020, DME commenced a pole inspection project to proactively identify poles on our system
that need to be replaced or repaired. The scope of the project was to inspect all poles on our system
while focusing on aged wood poles. All concrete, steel, and wood poles with a service life of less
than 10 years are visually inspected for damage. Concrete and steel poles are not subject to rot or
insect damage; therefore, the visual inspections can determine if the poles have sustained any storm
damage or unusual wear. Newer wood poles should still be protected by pole pretreatment.
Wood poles older than 10 years undergo a more rigorous inspection that includes a below-grade
inspection, core samples to determine structural integrity, and a thorough visual inspection that
can identify defects or failures anywhere on the pole. The inspections are done by an external
company, that logs the results and provides DME with a pass or fail grade for each pole. Failure
poles are graded priority or non-priority. Priority poles are scheduled for immediate change out
after receiving notification from inspectors. Non-priority poles are being replaced by a DME
contractor at the rate of about 10 poles per week.
DME Pole Count by Type
New Wood Poles 3,482 (Install Date 2011 or Newer)
Wood Poles - 10,390 (Install Date After 2011)
Steel Poles - 348
Concrete Poles – 1062
Fiberglass Poles – 58
Total Poles – 15,340
CONCLUSION:
DME has approximately 10,390 wood poles that were installed prior to 2011. To date, about 8,700
of these poles have been inspected with the remaining 1,690 poles to be inspected by mid-summer
2022. We have identified 1,304 non-priority and 46 priority poles that need to be replaced. To
date, we have changed out all 46 priority poles and have replaced 262 of the non-priory poles for
a total of 304 new poles. The remaining 1,690 poles to be inspected will increase the replacement
totals with our goal being to have all identified poles replaced by Summer 2026.
Date: May 20, 2022 Report No. 2022-031
Current Failure Report 5-17-2022
Priority Pole – 46 Poles / 46 Poles Replaced – 100%
Non-Priority – 1,304 Poles / 262 Poles Replaced – 20%
STAFF CONTACT:
Chris Lutrick
DME Executive Manager of Operations
Chris.lutrick@cityofdenton.com
940-349-7152
REQUESTOR:
Staff Initiated
STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT:
3 Hours