Twenty-two thousand poles are up for inspection during the first leg of the cooperative's Pole Inspection Program.

Southeastern Wood Pole Inspectors (SWPI) began a two-year contract to inspect Jackson EMC utility poles in September. Poles in Commerce, Danielsville, Homer, Ila and Nicholson will be inspected by year's end.

The average life of a utility pole is about 30 years. Made of southern yellow pine wood, poles are naturally sturdy. However, ground line decay, severe weather, splints and woodpecker holes are a few conditions that could shorten a pole's lifespan.

All poles 10-years-old and newer will be visually inspected. Older poles and visibly damaged poles receive a sound and bore inspection. The sound and bore inspection checks for internal and ground line decay — common problems among older poles. Decayed poles are treated or marked for replacement. Rejected poles due to decay and other problems are replaced as quickly as possible, while "hazard poles" are replaced immediately.

Jackson EMC has nearly 176,000 poles, and this inspection is one way to ensure each pole in the cooperative's system receives an inspection every eight years. "It's a successful program. About two percent of poles are rejected and have to be replaced each year, and because of maintenance, some poles erected in the 1940s remain in service," says Cliff Mize, Jackson EMC Right-of-Way line foreman.

You may see pole inspectors in your neighborhood. Inspectors wear Southeastern Wood Pole uniforms, and all trucks should be marked with their emblem. A sticker also identifies them as Jackson EMC contractors. When trucks can't get to those remote poles, inspectors may use four-wheel all-terrain vehicles. These vehicles will be clearly marked as well.