Utility poles play an important role in delivering reliable power to members. It takes over 22,000 poles to provide electricity to the 11,500 homes and businesses we serve. That’s why it’s critical for us to protect and maintain them.

2024 pole inspections
American Energy Services, the cooperative’s contractor, examined roughly 3,000 poles serving our Huston and Tolbert substations in the fall. The Huston Substation serves members in Hanover, Milford, and Wayne townships and the Tolbert Substation serves members in Gratis, Milford, Somers, and Wayne townships.

Pole replacements
At a cost of $13 to inspect each pole, Butler Rural Electric Cooperative spent $39,000 to ensure our poles can deliver the reliable electricity you expect from us. To check their condition, poles were exposed just below the surface and examined for decay or damage.

133 poles showed signs of damage and were placed on the co-op’s list to repair or replace, depending on the nature of the problem. A rate of replacing 3% of our poles per year is average for Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

An annual investment
The average cost to replace a pole is between $1,500 and $5,000 per pole, which includes labor and materials.
Regular inspections help prolong the lifespan of utility poles. A well-maintained pole can last 30 to 40 years — sometimes even longer — and allows Butler Rural Electric Cooperative to continue providing the power you
depend on.

3,000 POLES INSPECTED 
Near our Huston and Tolbert substations. 

$39,000 SPENT ON INSPECTIONS
To ensure our poles deliver the reliable electricity you expect from us. 

133 POLES TO REPLACE
A project Butler Rural Electric Cooperative's lineworkers will complete. 

$1,500-$5,000 TO REPLACE THESE POLES
This includes labor and materials.