Osmose Utility Services, a contractor for Jo-Carroll Energy, will begin conducting the cooperative's annual utility pole inspections On Monday, Sept. 30.

Osmose will have crews working in the co-op's Elizabeth and Hanother rural services areas in the nother. They also will be working in the Thomson, Argo Fay, Chadwick and Mount Carroll proper and rural services areas to the south.

Osmose crews will carry an introduction letter from JCE Co-op. They have been instructed to avoid rural areas during the shotgun deer hunting season.

Utility pole inspections are part of the cooperative’s routine maintenance. JCE has approximately 15 percent of its utility poles inspected annually. The process checks the strength of the poles and identifies those that should be replaced. 

To perform the inspection, Osmose crews will dig up the ground around the pole to look for rot and insect damage. When needed, a treatment will be applied to the pole to extend its life. Osmose also inspects for mechanical damage, loose hardware, rotten or damaged crossarms and other maintenance items. Osmose will install guy guards and repair pole grounds where appropriate.

Pole inspection and treatment extends the lifespan of the utility poles and reduces long-term costs to maintain co-o's utility plant.