Consumers Energy has invested $3.5 million to purchase 1,200 iron utility poles to improve the reliability of the electric grid in Michigan.
The poles are stronger, lighter and longer lasting as compared to their traditional wooden counterparts. They are engineered to resist fire and the effects of Michigan's weather, and are not vulnerable to wood decay, woodpeckers, insects or other wildlife.
Iron poles are expected to last for more than 80 years, which is approximately double the lifespan of a wood pole. The company decided to install iron poles in 2024 due to its longer lifecycle, combined with recent shortages and increasing prices of wood.
Consumers Energy will deliver the first iron poles to the Kalamazoo, Greenville, and Tawas areas. Firstly, they will be installed at selected new construction sites accessible to bucket trucks, which are essential to reach and perform work on iron pole tops. The installations will expand to other areas and replace existing wooden poles throughout the Consumers Energy service territory.
The introduction of iron poles is the latest strategy to be deployed as part of the Reliability Roadmap, Consumers Energy's plan for a smarter and stronger electric grid. The plan includes investments in smart technology and automation, forestry work, and infrastructure upgrades.
