Rhode Island Energy is replacing 65 aging wooden transmission structures in Middletown with steel monopoles as part of an $8.2 million upgrade, the utility announced Wednesday.
The work is part of the company’s Wood Pole Replacement Program. Older wood structures are more prone to deterioration and premature failure, while steel monopoles are more durable and reduce the risk of outages, according to Rhode Island Energy.
“By proactively replacing aging assets with more resilient infrastructure, we’re strengthening the electric grid and improving system reliability for the communities we serve,” Joe Curley, the utility’s vice president of electric operations, said in a statement.
The project also includes replacing aging porcelain insulators and other equipment. The new structures will be fitted with avian guards meant to discourage birds from nesting on them, which the company said is intended in part to protect osprey populations and reduce bird-related outages.
Work began in 2025 and is expected to be finished by the end of this year.
