Pole Transfer
What Is a Pole Transfer?
A pole transfer is a coordinated joint use process in which equipment is moved from an existing utility pole to a newly installed or replacement pole. Electric utilities perform pole transfers for many reasons, including pole deterioration, storm damage, increased loading from additional attachments, or upgrades needed to support broadband expansion.
The process involves multiple stakeholders who share space on the pole, such as electric utilities, communications companies, CATV providers, municipal networks, and engineering or construction crews. Each entity must relocate its equipment to maintain proper clearances and ensure worker and public safety. A pole transfer is complete when every attacher has moved equipment, the old pole is removed and post-inspections, if required, are completed.
To help streamline this process, Alden ONE centralizes joint use communication, tracks pole transfer responsibilities, and provides real-time visibility into pole data and project status, enabling teams to complete transfers on schedule.
FAQ
Utility companies conduct pole transfers when a pole becomes damaged, deteriorated, or overloaded, or when it needs an upgrade to a larger or stronger pole. Transferring equipment to a new pole ensures safety, maintains regulatory compliance, and supports system reliability.
Asset-owning or asset-attaching electric utilities, communications providers, broadband companies, municipal networks, and engineering and construction partners can all be involved in a pole transfer. Stakeholders coordinate the process of moving equipment to maintain safety, proper clearances, and regulatory compliance.
Alden ONE streamlines pole transfers by centralizing communication, tracking each attacher’s responsibilities, and providing real‑time visibility into pole data. This coordination helps stakeholders move equipment in the desired sequence, maintain compliance, and complete transfers on schedule.
