Water and Power Begins Annual Utility Pole Inspection Program

Pasadena Water and Power will begin its annual utility pole inspection program this week, with crews expected to work through June 30 to assess the condition of wooden poles across the city.

The inspections will be carried out by Osmose Utility Services Inc., an authorized contractor for the utility, and will focus primarily on neighborhoods in ZIP codes 91103, 91104, 91105, and 91107.

To access some utility poles, crews may need to enter private property, particularly where poles are located along rear property lines. Officials said workers will wear company uniforms, drive marked vehicles and carry identification, and will notify residents by knocking before entering.

As part of the program, each wooden pole will undergo a visual inspection and an internal soundness test to identify signs of wear, insect activity or structural damage, including impacts from vehicles. Crews may perform minor repairs on-site, while poles found to be significantly compromised could be scheduled for replacement.

The inspection program also includes photographing poles and documenting their condition to help track maintenance needs and prioritize future work.

The effort is part of a broader strategy to maintain the reliability of the electric system, improve public safety and reduce the risk of unexpected outages.

Regular inspections can help extend the lifespan of infrastructure and lower long-term maintenance costs by identifying issues before they lead to more serious failures.

Residents with questions about the program can contact the City Service Center at (626) 744-7311.