Pole inspection
Working year-round to keep your community safe, reliable and resilient
We take our commitment to providing safe, reliable service seriously. One of the ways we do that is by regularly inspecting the wooden utility poles that support our electric system.
This year, we’ll inspect approximately 23,000 wood poles across South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. These inspections help us identify early signs of wear, damage or decay so we can take action before it affects your service. In many cases, crews can apply a treatment that helps extend the life of a pole and maintain system reliability.
To complete this work, Intec, Davey Resource Group and EDM International are contracted by Black Hills Energy to perform wooden pole inspections. Some poles are located on private property, so crews may need to briefly enter your property to complete their work.
Contractors and employees will:
- Carry photo identification
- Wear fluorescent safety vests and hard hats
- Drive vehicles marked with both the contractor’s logo and a “Contracting for Black Hills Energy” logo
If you ever have questions about crews on or near your property, you can always call us at 888‑890‑5554.
The inspection of a pole may include several visits from multiple companies over the course of a few weeks which may include:
- 811 Locators
- Pole Inspection Contractors
Black Hills Energy Representatives
What to expect during inspection work
- Most pole inspections take less than an hour.
- Crews replace soil and restore the area once work is complete.
- If treatment is needed, it’s usually done during the same visit.
- Our crews work carefully to limit disruption to your yard or landscaping.
Why pole inspections matter for reliability
Our electric system is built to serve you through every season. Routine pole inspections help us:
- Identify wear or structural changes
- Keep poles safe and stable
- Prevent equipment failures or unexpected outages
- Strengthen system performance during severe weather
- Support wildfire mitigation efforts by reducing the likelihood that electric facilities become a source of ignition during high wildfire‑risk weather
How inspections work
Our trained crews or contractors evaluate each pole both above ground and below the surface. This may include:
- A visual assessment
- Sounding the pole with a hammer
- Removing a small amount of soil to check the base
- Drilling a small inspection hole to examine internal conditions
If the pole remains structurally sound but shows early signs of aging or decay, we may apply a preservative treatment to help extend its useful life.
Wooden utility poles are built to last, but several external factors can weaken them over time. Regular inspections help us catch these issues early so we can make timely repairs.
- Weather: Exposure to sun, wind, moisture and temperature changes can slowly weaken wood fibers. Over time, this natural wear can reduce a pole’s strength.
- Vehicle impacts: Poles can be damaged when struck by vehicles — from cars and trucks to tractors, trailers and lawn equipment. Even minor impacts can weaken parts of a pole.
- Wildfire and insects: Animals and insects such as woodpeckers, rodents, livestock and termites can wear down or damage the exterior or interior of a wooden pole.
If damage or decay is found
If a wood pole has less than two‑thirds of its original strength remaining, it will be reinforced or replaced based on the type and extent of the deterioration.
Environmentally responsible pole treatments
When needed, wood preservative treatments help maintain pole strength and reduce the need for full replacements. This supports reliability while helping conserve natural resources.
Internal treatments
- Applied through a small drilled opening
- Sealed immediately with a wooden or plastic plug
- Designed to remain contained inside the pole
External treatments
- Applied to the base of the pole with a brush or roller
- Wrapped with a protective barrier
- Covered once the soil is replaced
We do not use treatments near:
- Wells or drinking-water sources
- Irrigation systems
- Gardens or areas where edible plants are grown
All treatments follow local, state and federal regulations designed to protect customers and the environment, including standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Strengthening a safer, more resilient energy system
Pole inspections are one part of our comprehensive approach to safety. In areas with elevated fire risk, well-maintained poles help reduce the chance of equipment-related concerns during dry or windy conditions.
To learn more about our wildfire mitigation and vegetation management work, please see our wildfire safety page.
Frequently asked questions
Do pole inspections help with wildfire prevention?
Inspecting and maintaining poles helps reduce the chance of equipment-related issues during high-risk weather. While pole inspections are not wildfire mitigation on their own, they support overall system safety and reliability. More detailed wildfire information is available in our dedicated wildfire mitigation section.
Why treat a pole instead of replacing it?
If a pole is still structurally sound, a treatment can extend its life, reduce waste and help maintain system reliability without the need for full replacement.
Are the treatments safe for the environment?
Treatments are applied using methods designed to keep them contained in or around the pole. When used according to regulations and product guidelines, they are not expected to migrate into surrounding soil or water.
Do you apply treatments near wells or gardens?
No. Out of an abundance of caution, we avoid using treatments near drinking-water sources, irrigation systems and edible plants.
Will this work affect my landscaping?
Crews work carefully and replace soil after the inspection. They’ll use mats or cut‑resistant tarps to hold the excavated soil while they work. This supports clean backfilling and helps keep minimal, if any, loose soil left behind.
Can I ask about work happening near my home?
Yes. We’re here to help. You can contact us anytime online or at 888-890-5554 with questions about inspections or maintenance work in your area.