Power Grid Strained: FRP Poles Emergence as Stronger, Sustainable Alternative Amidst Severe Weather and EV Boom

The U.S. power grid is under immense strain due to a boom in electric vehicles, a surge in 5G build-out, and severe weather events. Wood, steel, and concrete are commonly used materials for power poles, but fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) offers a lightweight, safe, and resilient alternative that offers a long service life. The American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI’’) pole class ratings and their traditional suitability are changing, with storms hitting our power grid with more intensity than traditional Class 5 or 6 poles can handle. Wood utility poles can come from only certain tree types and heights, and Suitable trees make up less than 10% of the average forest. The massive overhaul our grid needs requires that we arm ourselves with as many tools as possible to meet the demand for stronger, safer, more sustainable utility poles. FRP poles are pultruded, which yields a constant cross-section, fiber tension, and orientation, while other utilities have looked to concrete for a solution.