Power Pole Replacements
in Franklin, Indiana

Project Background

The 6948 Schoolhouse Road pole replacement project is part of the Duke Energy Transmission Reliability Improvement Plan to upgrade and replace aging wood utility power poles with new steel poles. As part of our dedication to build a smarter energy framework in Johnson County, Duke Energy is making improvements to an existing 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Franklin. The upgrades help improve electric service reliability and resiliency and accommodate future growth.


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Project Need

Recent inspections found a need to replace or repair approximately 18 wood utility poles on the transmission line. This project will improve the reliability of the network that serves this community. We want to share our plans with customers and answer any questions about this project.

The new steel poles were installed earlier this year. Restoration activities, such as removing construction access areas, restoring the fences and reseeding is expected to be completed by early 2023. Some areas may need to be reseeded again in spring 2023 when weather is more favorable for growing.

The construction schedule could change due to circumstances such as weather conditions.

Project Description

The wood utility poles will be replaced with steel pole construction. The new steel poles are up to 10 feet taller than the present wood poles and more reliable than the wood poles. The new poles will be built within 5 feet of the existing pole locations.

Engagement

Community engagement allows us to receive input and to share information about this project.

Property owners first received notification about this project in May 2021 followed by a postcard invitation to attend virtual public informational meetings in July 2021. Postcards have been sent to neighbors periodically with updates about the project.