Summer Conference to Highlight Overhead Design and Wood Pole Preservatives

Explore the newest developments in utility overhead wood pole systems, including the latest on pole preservatives and sustainable design, at special one-day conference Aug. 11 in Memphis, Tenn.

Powerline 2021 will be held at the historic Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. Sponsored by the North American Wood Pole Council (NAWPC), Mississippi State University and Oregon State University, the conference features a full slate of presentations and education on overhead electricity systems.

“Even a pandemic could not slow down work by utilities to maintain and expand overhead systems using preservative-treated wood poles,” said Kevin Ragon, executive vice president of NAWPC. “With more than 150 million in service in overhead systems, wood poles are the backbone of the North American electrical distribution system. This conference will bring the most current information recognized best practices for wood pole overhead systems.” 

There’s been growing interest in the preservatives used to make poles durable and long lasting. The conference will feature a special panel featuring the manufacturers of all major preservatives used in wood utility pole treating. Other conference presentations include a new look at sustainable design with wood poles for resiliency, an overview of national standards for wood poles and the performance of pole remediation treatments.

The conference is intended for utility personnel who are involved with design, purchasing, installation, management and maintenance of the electrical distribution and transmission systems.Each registered attendee will receive a certificate of completion for eight hours of instruction, which can be used to qualify for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits.

Registration is $250 per attendee. Each attendee will receive digital versions of the presentations and NAWPC technical guides and a copy of ANSI O5.1-2017 Wood Poles, Specifications and Dimensions. The registration fee includes a continental breakfast, lunch and a reception. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, Aug. 4.

Register for the conference online at https://woodpoles.org/Powerline-2021 The conference website includes a schedule of confirmed speakers and demonstrations, as well as hotel information.

The North American Wood Pole Council is a federation of three organizations representing the wood preserving industry in the United States. and Canada. These organizations provide a variety of services to support the use of preservative-treated wood poles to carry power and communications to consumers.