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Jan 20, 2021 | Environment | 19 comments

Pole position

We’ve found a new way to dispose of old poles.

Where do old or broken utility poles go?

The answer used to be landfills. But we’ve found a use for the poles that will reduce our impact on the environment by keeping tons of wooden waste out of landfills every year.

We work with a vendor that brings old poles to an industrial-waste-to-energy facility, where they are used as fuel in an environmentally responsible way to produce energy. Our wood recycling program and this agreement with our vendor reduce our cost to dispose of the poles as well. It’s a win for the environment and a win for us.

In 2019 alone, we recycled more than 7,000 tons of wood through this program. That’s just one part of our ongoing efforts to operate efficiently and provide service that is safe, reliable and a good value.

As we install new poles, we’re pleased to have found a better solution for the old ones.

19 Comments

  1. Matt Kujat

    How do you contact someone to dispose of poles? We may be having about 12 to 20 to dispose of.

    Reply
    • Kurt

      Matt: Unfortunately, our pole reuse program is only for poles in our inventory. We’re not accepting poles or other wooden waste from the public.

      Reply
    • Tim and Karen Carr

      Is it possible to buy a used pole or two? I could use them for landscaping. PPL has been replacing poles in our area.

      Sincerely,
      Tim and Karen Carr
      570-374-6965

      Reply
      • Kathryn

        Good Afternoon Tim and Karen, PPL does not sell new or used poles. You may want to check with your local lumber company. Thanks!

        Reply
  2. Kurt

    Jim: We no longer provide old or broken poles to the public. Sorry about that.

    Reply
  3. Kim Smith

    I believe one of your poles is still laying in front of the property next to our parking lot. Years ago, due to an accident, a pole was taken down and a new one put up. The old pole was cut in half and is still laying on the bank in front of the sidewalk. I tried contacting someone years ago about the removal and no one ever got back to me.

    Reply
    • Alecia

      Good Morning, please call customer service at 1-800-342-5775 option 4 for assistance with the pole. Thank you!

      Reply
  4. James

    From which vendor / vendors does PP&L purchase wood utility poles? (I need to buy 3 poles for home use and I figure PP&L uses a quality vendor!) Thank you! JP

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon James, We do not have a specific supplier for our utility poles to reference. You may want to check with your local township or lumber company. Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Frank Margotta

    A pole in front of my house was damaged by an accident and they cut it up and left it. Can I take it??

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Morning Frank, This may not have been PPL’s pole and may not have been PPL that cut up the pole. Often times the pole belongs to the phone company and the township disassembles the pole. However, with that said, most times customers are welcome to take the remains. Thanks for checking with us today!

      Reply
  6. Tommy

    Hi. I bought a house in November with acreage beside it. I am building a steel structure garage and would like to talk with someone about moving the poles and wires. Who do I call ?

    Reply
    • Alecia

      Good Morning, please call us at 1-877-220-6016 to assist you further. Thank you!

      Reply
  7. Steve Voyce

    Hello,
    How do I report a pole that is listing to one side. i suspect from rainwater runoff washing away the supporting ground?

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Morning Steve, Please contact our Service Department @ 1-800-342-5775 option 1 to report the pole that is leaning. Please have the 10-digit pole number available to provide. Thanks for checking with us!

      Reply
  8. Patti

    I had an old pole break last Dec and fall on my property. Called customer service in Jan and it has still has not been removed. How long does it take for someone to come out?

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Morning Patti, Please contact our Job Service Team weekdays between 8am-5pm at 1-877-220-6016 to obtain the status on this pole removal. Thank you!

      Reply
  9. James Grassmyer

    If a pole has a rotted base, who is fianancially responsible for replacing the pole?

    Reply
    • Kathryn

      Good Afternoon James, If this is a PPL pole, please call us at 1-800-342-5775 (say Service during the prompts) with our 10-digit pole number to report the pole that is rotting so we can have this accessed. Thank you!

      Reply

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