If you see people dressed in orange snooping around your local hydro poles with power tools and shovels in the coming days, do not be alarmed. Routine hydro pole inspections will be happening in the Steinbach area for the next few weeks.

Manitoba Hydro spokesperson Bruce Owen says crews will be inspecting poles for rot, insect infestations, and unreported vehicle damage.

“Basically, the contractors use a hammer and a drill to determine if there is any decay in the lower portion of the pole,” he explains. “The base of the pole is then treated with a paste-like liquid preservative to protect it.”

Owen notes the annual maintenance check is critical to extending the life of poles, improving power reliability, and enhancing public safety. Should workers find any serious problems with the poles they are replaced on the spot. He adds the hydro poles in and around Steinbach are among roughly 70,000 that will be inspected this year.