To ensure compliance with the Ofgem DNO CNAIM v2.1 methodology, an enhanced approach that goes beyond the current practice of hammer and prod testing for wood pole assets is required.  

This project will investigate the optimal approach for wood pole condition assessment through a review of existing technologies, including those previously trialled by the networks and compare with current SPEN procedure.  

The project will trial two novel solutions to further expand the range of technologies available to DNOs for assessing and addressing condition issues:  

• Polux in-field residual strength testing device – to be trialled in the field and selection of poles destructively tested to validate device results.  
• Gridguard pole-mounted sensors – to be trialled in areas with known condition issues caused by woodpecker damage. 

Recommendations for a holistic pole health assessment approach will be made to support future OHL inspection and condition assessment policy development.

Benefits

• Compliance with Ofgem CNAIM requirements: The project seeks to identify a method for obtaining measured condition values for use in the CNAIM 2.1 process where current practices cannot achieve this. 
• Improved asset management: Avoided replacement of wooden pole assets before end of useful life through adoption of data-driven, measured condition assessment could save up to £2m per annum which would be reinvested in interventions on the right pole assets, at the right time. This value assumes that 10% poles are replaced before the end of their useful life. This value increases as percentage of poles increases.
• Improved understanding of woodpecker-related damage to wooden pole assets - through the use of pole-mounted monitoring devices we aim to monitor and deter woodpecker-related damage to wooden pole assets.
• Improved risk management and reporting: Project will improve accuracy of NARM reporting through the use of technology solutions for measuring wooden pole asset health that goes beyond current manual practices for condition assessment.