Swell of major storms prompts Nova Scotia Power to install stronger poles

Nova Scotia Power is installing new poles in areas across the province in the hopes they will better withstand the intense storms that blow through the region.

In Sydney, Kings Road is currently being linedwith a new style of pole that is taller, wider and more durable.

Matt Drover, stormlead for Nova Scotia Power, said the poles on that road were being replaced anyway due to ongoing road work.

He said theywill also have new insulators that are more robust.

"Really targeting these high winds that we're seeing with more and more storms like we saw last year with Hurricane Fiona," said Drover.

He saidif a tree falls on the pole, it has a better chance of staying upright.

There are also 70 new poles on Coxheath Road in Sydney, and others have been going up in theDigby and Yarmouth areas, said Drover.

With the poles being taller and wider, Drover admited they might not be as sightly for residents. However, he saidit's become apparent that some infrastructure needsto change.

"But we do have to balance that. We know that we are seeing more frequent storms, we're seeing more intense storms, so we're balancing that with the need to have stronger infrastructure," he said.

In addition to stronger poles, Drover said lines that had previously been run through wooded areas are now being brought closer to the road, which will improve the ability to reconnect rural customers.

Nova Scotia Power and otherutilities are working with Electricity Canada to create a climate adaptation analysis across the country.

The utilities are providing climate information to find new ways to cope with storms moving forward.