Steel Distribution Poles and Their Environmental Implications

Utilities increasingly employ steel distribution poles in their new low-voltage construction partially because steel offers certain environmental advantages over wood. First, steel poles are not susceptible to woodpecker damage. In some regions of the US, woodpecker damage is the most significant cause of wood pole deterioration [1], Second, steel poles are harder for animals such as eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), raccoons (Procyon lotor), and opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) to climb. Keeping animals off utility structures can help reduce outages. Although steel can rust, it is not susceptible to fungal, bacterial, and insect damage. Finally, steel is recyclable.