Abstract
Overhead Electrical Transmission and Distribution Structure to Adopt More of
Steel Poles than Wood Poles due to Ease of Availability
The rising trend of steel poles replacing wood poles is primarily due to the
huge differences between the resources the steel industry has committed in
promoting steel for poles as compared to the resources the wood industry has
put through to the challenge. The steel industry in North America is well
organized with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) gathering
resources of member companies to launch aggressive marketing campaigns to
promote steel in the pole industry. Thus, wood poles are being substituted
with steel poles not only in transmission applications where steel has proved
to be stronger and longer lasting but also in distribution applications, where
wood poles traditionally had critical competitive advantages.
This Frost & Sullivan research service examines the North American overhead
electrical transmission and distribution structure markets. It provides
detailed insights into recent developments and trends. The study also
discusses the prevailing market drivers and industry challenges and gives an
overview of the market revenues and shares.
Stronger Marketing Initiatives by Wood Industry Could Boost Wood Industry's
Revenues
With effective marketing strategies, the wood industry could promote its
product benefits of ease of modification, climb ability, and cost. However,
its lack of such initiatives is likely to give the steel industry a
competitive edge.
"Countering the steel industry's moves with effective marketing campaigns of
its own should enable the wood utility pole industry to protect its market
share," says the analyst of this research service. "Leadership is needed to
unite the industry and marshal the available resources to launch a major
counterattack against steel pole makers."
Replacement and Maintenance of Poles to Sustain Market Growth
"The massive August 2003 blackout had prompted plans to carry out overdue
maintenance, upgrade, and new line projects, with an emphasis on maintenance
and upgrades," says the analyst. "States mandated expedited and enhanced
maintenance, and ground line inspection of poles revealing reject poles that
needed replacing. In addition, larger transmission projects addressing
bottlenecks along interregional routes are to be commenced."
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