The Natural Replacement Process Versus the Aging Infrastructure of Distribution Poles

A method is presented, utilizing pole age distributions from two widely separated years, to predict the number of poles removed per year, by the age of the pole, due to the natural replacement process. This method allows a utility to evaluate the impact of technological advances on the expected life of plant, and determine the effect of various plant replacement programs. The results of the predictions, presented in numerous figures, provide a clear picture of the real impact of aging infrastructure.