Pole Position

A project to upgrade low voltage poles that have been in place since 1956 on the Isles of Scilly is underway.

Work started in November 2017 following routine pole testing when 17 poles were identified as needing to be replaced. The £35,000 project will form part of the asset replacement programme for the island and also further ensure the security of supplies for 200 customers. 

Technician Paul Harris (right) and Fitter Tristan Harris replacing the poles.

Although beneficial, the project hasn’t been without its difficulties, as Technician Paul Harris, who is overseeing the project, explained: “The logistics of shipping the poles, materials and a JCB from the main land to the island, with the help of local haulage companies, makes the delivery of this project particularly challenging. Plus, other factors such as organising flights and accommodation for staff had to be considered.” 

Shane Orchard, Team Manager for Redruth, said: “The excellent planning by island-based staff and the support provided by staff based in the Pool office has proved vital in the safe and efficient delivery of the work. It is down to great team work that we can deliver this scheme that will further improve the reliability and safety of the network in the area.”   

The work is set to be completed in September.