Article Courtesy of Gresco’s Technical Team
To a utility, it can often feel like storm season never ends. This spring, many communities across the South have experienced severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. Now, with hurricane season underway, summer storms fueled by warm, moist air are just beginning.
Damage assessments are frequently measured by the number of poles down, spans of wire affected, or transformers impacted. In fact, FEMA tracks these metrics when determining eligibility for disaster reimbursement. Fortunately, there are several proactive steps utilities can take to better prepare for these weather events.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective strategies is to increase the class of your poles by one size. For example, if your design specifies a 45/3 pole, consider upgrading to a 45/2. This small change—often costing less than $100—can serve as inexpensive insurance. If your poles remain standing, you may only need to address downed wire or straighten leaning poles, significantly speeding up restoration efforts.
Another smart move is to over-insulate your lines. This upgrade is relatively affordable. For instance, if your system operates at 12.47 kV, insulating it to the 25 kV level increases your Basic Insulation Level (BIL), which can help reduce lightning-related damage. Most utility components are available in a range of voltage ratings, regardless of your system’s actual operating voltage. Even for underground systems, some utilities use 25 kV cable while operating at 12.47 kV to enhance insulation.
Lastly, consider assembling storm kits with essential items that have a long shelf life. After a storm hits and damage is assessed, it can take time to mobilize logistics. Having pre-packed kits on hand allows linemen to begin work immediately while waiting for material orders to arrive. These kits might include automatic splices, fuses, hand coils of wire, or enough framing material to outfit 50-75 poles with transformers (depending on the size of your system). Based on your past experiences, you may identify other critical items to include. Palletizing, labeling, shrink-wrapping, and securely storing these kits will ensure they’re ready when needed.
Taking these steps is a lot like wearing a seatbelt—you hope you never need them but having them in place can make all the difference when the next storm arrives.
Need assistance in prepping for storm season? We’re here to help! Contact your Gresco sales or technical representative today.