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How to cite this thesis

Surname, Initial(s). (2012). Title of the thesis or dissertation (Doctoral Thesis / Master’s Dissertation). Johannesburg: University of Johannesburg. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/102000/0002 (Accessed: 22 August 2017).

Reliability and sustainability of wood poles in the electrical power distribution network

A Minor dissertation in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree

MAGISTER INGENERIAE / MAGISTER PHILOSOPHIAE

in

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

at the

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

of the

UNIVERSITY of JOHANNESBURG

by

Student Name: Boreman Risiva

(802013479)

Supervisor: Prof JHC Pretorius

Co – Supervisor: Dr P Van Rhyn

Page 1 of 100 Declaration

This serves as a confirmation that, I Boreman Risiva, student number 802013479, enrolled as a student at University of Johannesburg for the Qualification: MPhil of Engineering Management Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment, hereby declare that my educational work is in line with the University of Johannesburg Plagiarism Policy, which I am acquainted with. I further proclaim that the work bestowed in the academic portfolio is original and authentic except if clearly stipulated otherwise, and that in such cases full reference to the main source is accredited and that there is no copyright transgression in my academic work. I know that plagiarism is a grave transgression and that should I break the UJ Plagiarism Policy in spite of signing this declaration, I may still be punished for grave criminal offence of perjury that would, among other penalties, force the University of Johannesburg to notify all other senior educational institutions of the transgression.

Page 2 of 100 Acknowledgements

My heartfelt gratitude to all the precious people who contributed to the accomplishment of this minor dissertation. My special gratitude is extended to:

- My Father who is in Heaven, who furnished me with good health, wisdom and courage to successfully complete this minor dissertation. - My beloved and gorgeous wife, Mrs Jabu Risiva for her endurance and unconditional support in filling in the space when our children needed their father’s care and for allowing me to have space and time to focus on my studies. - My lovely children, Makungu and Mahlori Risiva for constantly bringing joy into my life. - Lastly, I submit my humble gratitude to Professor JHC Pretorius and Dr P Van Rhyn for their professionalism and supervision.

Page 3 of 100 Abstract

The reliability and sustainability of wood poles in the electrical power distribution network is of vital importance, as it directly affects the entire power system network connected to them. Wood poles support power line conductors and carry electrical equipment in order for electricity to be transmitted and distributed safely from the power company to consumers. One of the main challenges faced by electrical power distribution companies is the failure of wood poles on the distribution networks. Some of the identified problems when wood utility poles fail in the electrical power distribution network include loss of profit, unsafe households and damage of machinery. Looking at the South African electrical power distribution network from ten years back until now, it is evident that wood poles are crucial for the system and that the need for reliable and sustainable wood utility poles has grown tremendously in this period.

The potential benefit of this case study is the reduction of maintenance and operational costs, improved public safety and improved network performance .Due to the magnitude of this research, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. A qualitative approach was used to collect information from participants through interviews and consultations. The researcher engaged a total of six participants, one of whom entailed a structured interview and five of whom entailed case studies. A quantitative approach was also employed in order to ascertain the validity of the literature that was perused for this study. Data was collected from reviews of books, journals, reports, wood pole standards and procedures to measure the relationship between variables.

In this minor dissertation, a retrospect analysis of relevant literature on the reliability and sustainability of wood poles within the South African electrical power distribution network is discussed. The findings show that the main causes of wood utility pole failures are as follows: decay, improper storage, vehicle accidents, poor maintenance, theft and vandalism. The use of plastic protective sleeves, raptor crash cushions, building of impermeable treatment facilities and physical security guarding are necessary to prevent the degradation of wood utility poles in service, increase pole life, limit accidents and reduce power outages.

Key Words: Wood utility poles, reliability and sustainability

Page 4 of 100 Table of Contents

Declaration ...... 2 Acknowledgements ...... 3 Abstract ...... 4 List of Figures: ...... 7 List of Tables: ...... 8 Abbreviations: ...... 8 Equations:...... 9 Symbols: ...... 9 Chapter 1: Introduction and Context ...... 10 1.1. Introduction ...... 10 1.2. Background to the problem ...... 11 1.3. Problem Statements...... 14 1.4. Aims and Objectives of the Study ...... 14 1.5. Research Questions...... 15 1.6. Research Methodology ...... 15 1.7. The Layout of the Study ...... 16 Chapter 2: Wood Utility Poles ...... 18 2.1. What are Wood Utility Poles? ...... 18 2.2. Wood Utility Poles: Lessons from Across the Globe ...... 19 2.3. Life Cycle of Wood Utility Poles ...... 20 2.4. Manufacturing of Wood Utility Poles ...... 20 2.5. Treatment of Wood Utility Poles ...... 21 2.6. Preservation of Wood Utility Poles ...... 22 Chapter 3: Reliability of Wood Utility Poles...... 23 3.1. The Definition of Reliability ...... 23 3.2. Reliability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 23 3.3. Lifetime Assessment of Wood Utility Pole Reliability ...... 23 3.4. Reliability Indices ...... 24 3.5. Wood Utility Poles Reliability Challenges ...... 28 3.6. Factors that Affect the Reliability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 30 Chapter 4: Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 34 4.1. The Definition of Sustainability ...... 34 4.2. Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 34 4.3. Sustainability Challenges of Wood Utility Poles ...... 35

Page 5 of 100 4.4. Factors that Affect the Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 36 Chapter 5: Reliability and Sustainability Management System of Wood Utility Poles .. 40 5.1. Background of Wood Poles within the Electrical Power Distribution Company. 40 5.2. Logistics and Materials Managements of Wood Utility Poles ...... 40 5.3. Storage Preservation of Wood Utility Poles ...... 41 5.4. Planting of Wood Utility Poles during Construction of Electrification Projects ... 42 5.5. Inspection and Testing of Wood Utility Poles ...... 42 5.6. Manufacturing Process of Wood Utility Poles ...... 43 5.7. Maintenance Process of Wood Utility Poles ...... 43 5.8. Reliability Program of Wood Utility Poles ...... 44 5.9. Reliability and Sustainability Planning Assumptions ...... 44 5.10. Disposal of Wood Utility Poles ...... 45 Chapter 6: Wood Utility Poles in the Electrical Power Distribution Network ...... 46 6.1. Case Study 1: Wood Utility Poles Maintenance Management ...... 46 6.2. Case Study 2: Storage of Wood Utility Poles ...... 48 6.3. Case Study 3: Logistics and Materials Management of Wood Utility Poles ...... 49 6.4. Case Study 4: Disposal of Wood Utility Poles ...... 50 6.5. Case Study 5: Inspection and Testing of Wood Utility Poles ...... 52 6.6. Case Study 6: SAIDI and SAIFI Management ...... 53 Chapter 7: Discussion of the Study Results...... 56 7.1. Maintenance Management of Wood Utility Poles ...... 56 7.2. Storage of Wood Utility Poles ...... 56 7.3. Effects of Theft and Vandalism on Wood Utility Poles ...... 57 7.4. Disposal of Wood Utility Poles ...... 58 7.5. Inspection and Testing of Wood Utility Poles ...... 59 7.6. Effects of Car Accidents on Wood Utility Poles ...... 59 7.7. SAIDI and SAIFI Management ...... 60 Chapter 8: Conclusion and Recommendations ...... 61 8.1. Revisit to the study questions ...... 61 8.2. Recommendations ...... 63 8.3. Conclusion ...... 63 Bibliography ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Appendixes: ...... 71 Appendix A: Electrical Power Distribution Wood Poles Maintenance Index, 2012 – May 2019 ...... 71 Appendix B: Case Study 1: Wood Poles’ Management ...... 77 Page 6 of 100 Appendix C: Electrical Power Distribution Network Feeder Line Bill of Quantity ...... 80 Appendix D: Case Study 2: Storage of Wood Poles at the Distribution Substation ..... 85 Appendix E: Case Study 3: Logistics and Materials Management of Wood Poles ...... 87 Appendix F: Wood Poles Disposal ...... 90 Appendix G: Case Study 4: Wood Poles Disposal ...... 92 Appendix H: Case Study 5: Wood Poles Inspection and Testing ...... 94 Appendix I: SAIDI and SAIFI January 2019 to May 2019 Performance Index ...... 97

List of Figures:

Figure 1: Electricity Supply Value Chain ...... 11 Figure 2: Distribution Operating Unit ...... 13 Figure 3: Modern Wooden Utility Pole Carrying Electrical and Communication Lines . 19 Figure 4: Heartwood and Sapwood ...... 21 Figure 5: SAIDI Contribution from Components Failures Including Poles Failures ...... 27 Figure 6: SAIFI Contribution from Components Failures Including Pole Failures ...... 27 Figure 7: Bathtub Curve ...... 28 Figure 8: Reason for Pole Removal ...... 29 Figure 9: Protective Plastic Sleeves ...... 30 Figure 10: Reliability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 31 Figure 11: Shigometer ...... 32 Figure 12: Raptor Crash Cushion for Wood Utility Pole ...... 36 Figure 13: Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles ...... 36 Figure 14: Wood Utility Pole Storage to Prevent Creosote Pollution ...... 38 Figure 15: Wood Pole Lengths Underground ...... 42 Figure 16: Wood Pole Maintenance Performance as per the Regional Zones (2012 – May 2019) ...... 47 Figure 17: Storage of Mixed Wood Utility Poles at the Substation ...... 48 Figure 18: Creosote Leaching to the Ground Soil ...... 49 Figure 19: Vandalised Wood Utility Poles ...... 49 Figure 20: Failed and Disposed Wood Utility Poles (January – May 2019) ...... 50 Figure 21: Breakdown Cost per Wood Utility Pole Size (January – May 2019) ...... 51 Figure 22: Decayed and Slanting Wood Utility Pole ...... 52 Figure 23: Wood Utility Pole that was Smashed by a Car ...... 53 Figure 24: Abandoned Wood Utility Pole ...... 53 Figure 25: Electrical Power Utility Company’s SAIDI Contribution from Wood Poles .. 54

Page 7 of 100 Figure 26 : Electrical Power Utility Company’s SAIFI Contributions from Wood Poles 55

List of Tables:

Table 1: Equipment failure contribution to SAIDI (2014) ...... 25 Table 2: Relative comparison cost of transmission pole for Canada, South Africa and Australia: Galvanised steel pole and wood pole ...... 34 Table 3: Total tested and replaced wood poles from 2012 to May 2019 ...... 46 Table 4: Revenue lost due to the disposal of wood utility poles: January 2019 to May 2019 ...... 51 Table 5: Electrical power utility company’s equipment contribution to SAIDI (January 2019 to May 2019) ...... 54 Table 6: Electrical power utility company’s wood poles contribution to SAIFI (January to May 2019) ...... 55

Abbreviations:

CCTV Closed Circuit Television DC Direct Current FRP Fibre-Reinforced Polymers MDC Maximo Data Capture MV Medium Voltage MVA Megavolts Amp NDE Non-Destructive Evaluation PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons SAIFI System Average Interruption Frequency Index SAIDI System Average Interruption Duration Index SANS South African National Standard UE United Energy UJ University of Johannesburg WTE Waste-to-Energy

Page 8 of 100 Equations:

Equation 1: SAIFI ...... 25 Equation 2: SAIDI ...... 25

Symbols:

cm centimetre m metre mm millimetres R Rand kg kilogram km kilometres kV kilovolts % percentage

Page 9 of 100 Chapter 1: Introduction and Context 1.1. Introduction

Wood utility poles are an essential aspect of the electrical power supply network. They are used in distribution and in certain parts of transmission networks to carry electrical equipment and support power line conductors. There is some evidence that wood utility poles are neglected and are contributors of unwanted electricity outages. According to Baecker, Eskom is unable to provide a correct account of the size of its asset base of distribution wood poles (Baecker, 2010). Like other power supply commodities, wood utility poles usually deteriorate over time and ultimately fail. The causes of wood utility pole failures vary and are unpredictable.

Wood utility poles failures often result in electricity outages, which are implemented across South Africa, as a controlled measure to respond to both planned and unplanned events, in order to safeguard the power system from a total blackout. The never-ending implementation of electricity outages, due to the unreliability and unsustainability of power supply commodities such as wood poles, is a general growing concern to all South Africans (Steenkamp et al., 2016). There are significant losses of employment, productivity and exports of goods due to the growing phenomenon and associated widespread cases of electricity outages, which have emerged as among the main constraints to the growth of the country’s economy (Pasha and Saleem, 2013).

In light of this, and with the South African electrical power utility company’s current financial and operational crisis, it has become of paramount importance that the utility company ensures that, power supply commodities such as wood poles, are properly maintained to the highest standards, to ensure the continued reliability and sustainability of the electricity supply. Hence, this research on the reliability and sustainability of wood poles within the electrical power distribution network. The potential benefit of this case study is the reduction of maintenance and operational costs, improved public safety and improved network performance.

Page 10 of 100 1.2. Background to the problem

Eskom is a South African state-owned enterprise whose primary function is to “generate, transmit and distribute” efficient and sustainable electricity to all South African citizens and also export electricity to countries of Southern Africa (Singh, 2010). Eskom generates electricity by the “burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil or natural gas), use of hydro capacity and nuclear technology” (Singh, 2010). The transmission network transmits high voltages from generation and steps these down to distribution levels, from where the distribution network then steps down these voltages and distributes them to end users, key clients or redistributors (municipalities). Figure 1 below provides an overview of the electricity supply value chain.

Figure 1: Electricity Supply Value Chain Source: (Gibbs, 2012)

Page 11 of 100 Eskom’s power system was shaken in 2008, when it was forced to operate rolling power cuts and conduct sectoral power outages in order to avoid a total failure of the power supply (Jaglin and Dubresson, 2017). Since 2008 there have been accumulations of network dysfunctions and blackout notices have become common. In 2014, rolling power cuts resumed again, by which time Eskom’s reserve margins had fallen close to zero. Currently, Eskom’s power distribution network is managed on crisis mode (Jaglin and Dubresson, 2017).

Fast forward to the 7th of February 2019, where in his second state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the “security of energy supply is an absolute imperative. Eskom is in crisis and the risks it poses to South Africans are great. It could severely damage our economic and social development ambitions. We need to take bold decisive decisions and decisive action because the consequences may be painful, but they will be even more devastating if we delay. In responding to this crisis, we are informed by the need to minimise any adverse economic cost to the consumer and taxpayer.”

Furthermore, he also added the following: “To bring credibility to the turnaround and position South Africa’s power sector for the future, we shall immediately embark on a process of establishing three separate entities – Generation, Transmission and Distribution under Eskom holdings. This will ensure that we isolate cost and give responsibility to each appropriate entity.”

Inadequate maintenance has been extensively reported as one of the main causes of the present power generation crisis in South Africa, but little has been reported about the other factors at play in the electrical power distribution network (Baecker, 2010). It is a great concern that Eskom is unable to provide an accurate report of the overall size of its asset base of wood poles. This concern becomes even greater when contemplating the fact that Eskom’s distribution network embodies a larger asset base than that of the power generation network (Baecker, 2010).

Presently, Eskom has nine operating units that are mandated to distribute efficient electricity across South Africa. Figure 2 below represents these nine operating units relative to South Africa’s provincial demarcations.

Page 12 of 100

Figure 2: Distribution Operating Unit

Source: Eskom Distribution Division (Eskom, Website)

According to Milondzo and Mashau, Limpopo is one of the operating units with the highest number of rural communities who have yet to be electrified and many aging networks to be maintained (Milondzo and Mashau, 2015). The growth in the Limpopo Province economy requires that Eskom as the major regional electricity distributer grows at the same pace. To keep up with this growth, Eskom must expand its operations by increasing its services to new customers. This includes increasing the utilisation of materials such as wood poles to be able to deliver on the customers’ requests for electricity supply.

In recent years, Eskom has encountered numerous challenges due to lack of funding coupled with negligence in terms of maintenance of assets and equipment such as wood poles. Studies carried out indicate that wood utility poles are valuable components of overhead lines and have been utilised for many years to support power lines worldwide (Gezer et al., 2015). Regrettably, wood utility poles are subject to deterioration which occurs due to unpredictable biotic and abiotic factors.

Page 13 of 100 The main objective of finding viable and effective preservative programmes that increase the service life of wood poles within South Africa (i.e. reliability and sustainability programmes that will be used to extend the life of the pole) is to reduce the maintenance costs of pole replacements, improve operational performance and eliminate safety and environmental hazards.

1.3. Problem Statements

Problems identified when wood utility poles fail in the electrical power distribution network encompass the following:

1.3.1. Higher Capital Costs due to Replacement of Defective Wood Poles

When wood utility poles fail, alternative ways of supplying electrical power to customers have to be found. New wood poles will have to be purchased and transported to site for re-commissioning.

1.3.2. Poor Operational Performance

Power has to be switched off before replacing defective wood poles. These power outages result in productivity reduction for industries that utilise electrical power to operate machinery for mass production.

1.3.3. Consumer Safety due to Electricity Outage

Increased crime rate: Residents are vulnerable to robberies at night because lights are switched off and houses attract criminals when closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and alarm systems are not working.

The above challenges that confront the South African electrical power utility company have encouraged this type of research study in order to ascertain strategies and improvements that can be utilised within the electrical power distribution network.

1.4. Aims and Objectives of the Study

For the researcher to attain the primary aim of this minor dissertation, the following objectives were explored:

The main objective of this minor dissertation is to determine the factors that directly affect the reliability and sustainability of wood utility poles.

The secondary objectives of this minor dissertation are to:

Page 14 of 100 - Investigate the effectiveness of the electrical power distribution wood pole management system; - Examine how the South African electrical power utility company’s logistics, storage, disposal and maintenance management affects the reliability and sustainability of wood poles; and - Conduct case studies to assess the reliability and sustainability of wood poles in the South African electrical power distribution network.

1.5. Research Questions

The following questions which arise from the aims and objectives of the study have to be addressed:

1.5.1. How effective is the electrical power distribution’s wood pole management system? 1.5.2. What are the factors that affect the reliability and sustainability of wood utility poles within the South African electrical power distribution network? 1.5.3. What control measures can be adopted for wood poles within the South African electrical power utility company?

1.6. Research Methodology

This minor dissertation is a case study that will assess the reliability and sustainability of wood poles within the South African electrical power utility company. It focuses on wood poles that are neglected by the utility company which are contributing to the power outages being experienced, the intention being to ascertain ways whereby to enhance the technical performance and reliability of the electrical power distribution network.

Due to the magnitude of this research, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. A qualitative approach was used to collect information from participants through interviews and consultations. The researcher engaged a total of six participants, one of whom entailed a structured interview and five of whom entailed case studies. In order to obtain unbiased opinions, technicians, engineers, plant managers and project coordinators were randomly selected and interviewed through open-ended questions, thus ensuring detailed and accurate answers. The information gathered from the participants was then analysed and authenticated to ensure its reliability. For ethical and safety reasons, the identity and background of the participants were not released and kept confidential.

Page 15 of 100 A quantitative approach was also employed in order to ascertain the validity of the literature that was perused for this study. Data was collected from reviews of books, journals, reports, wood pole standards and procedures to measure the relationship between variables. The collection of various types of data provided a solid foundation for drawing up recommendations and conclusions for going forward.

1.7. The Layout of the Study

This minor dissertation is structured as follows:

1.7.1. Chapter 1: Introduction and Context

Chapter one of this study covered the following: the introduction, problem statement, background to the problem, aims and objectives, research questions, research methodology and the study layout.

1.7.2. Chapter 2: Wood Utility Poles

Chapter two will cover the following: the use of wood utility poles in the power distribution network, lessons from around the globe regarding wood utility poles, the life cycle of wood utility poles, manufacturing of wood utility poles, treatment of wood utility poles and preservation of wood utility poles.

1.7.3. Chapter 3: Reliability of Wood Utility Poles

Chapter three will cover: the definition of reliability, reliability of wood utility poles, lifetime assessment of wood utility poles, reliability indices, reliability challenges of wood utility poles and factors that affect the reliability of wood utility poles.

1.7.4. Chapter 4: Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles

Chapter four will cover: the definition of sustainability, sustainability of wood utility poles, sustainability challenges of wood utility poles and factors that affect this sustainability.

1.7.5. Chapter 5: Reliability and Sustainability Management System of Wood Utility Poles

This chapter deliberates on the following: background of wood poles within the electrical power distribution company, logistics and materials management of wood utility poles, storage preservations of wood utility poles, planting of wood utility poles during construction of electrification projects, inspection and testing of wood utility poles, the manufacturing process of wood utility poles, the maintenance process involved,

Page 16 of 100 reliability programmes of wood utility poles, reliability and sustainability planning assumptions and, finally, disposal of wood utility poles.

1.7.6. Chapter 6: Wood Utility Poles in the Electrical Power Distribution Network

This chapter explores the current management system of wood poles within the South African electrical power distribution network. The following aspects of the management system value chain of wood utility poles were assessed: maintenance management, storage, logistics and materials management, disposal, inspection and testing of wood utility poles, as well as SAIDI and SAIFI management.

1.7.7. Chapter 7: Discussions of the study results

Chapter seven assesses and makes logical sense of the gathered data through analysis. The observations and findings are discussed and presented in line with the research question and goals of the study.

1.7.8. Chapter 8: Conclusion and Recommendations

Chapter eight discusses the conclusion and recommendations made from the study. The primary questions raised during the study are revisited and recommendations are made to provide solutions to the study questions.

Page 17 of 100 Chapter 2: Wood Utility Poles

2.1. What are Wood Utility Poles?

Utility poles are a specific type of tall wooden poles that are used to support electrical conductors and carry electrical equipment that transports electricity from a power company to residential households and businesses (Nimpa et al., 2017). It has been identified that a standard wood utility pole is able to support and carry electrical equipment for households with a 240/120 voltage split-phase service drop (IEEE Std 3001.2, 2017). Figure 3 below depicts a standard wood utility pole that support and carry electrical equipment.

Page 18 of 100 Figure 3: Modern Wooden Utility Pole Carrying Electrical and Communication Lines Source: (Mulgueen, 2017)

Wood utility poles are regarded as valuable components of a power distribution network and have been utilised for many years to support power lines all over the world due to their low installation and maintenance cost, excellent durability and high strength per unit weight when they are accurately treated with good preservatives (Gezer et al., 2015). Wood utility poles are also regarded as normal aspects of our day-to-day landscape (Rajasekhar et al., 2008) and are the most visible components of distributing electricity. It is therefore expected that power utilities continue with substantial investment in wood utility poles worldwide (Ryan et al., 2014).

2.2. Wood Utility Poles: Lessons from Across the Globe

Wood utility poles are used in various parts of the world to supply electricity. According to Saafi and Asa, “There are more than 130 million wood utility poles in service in the United State of America” (Saafi and Asa, 2010). In Australia, over five million wood utility poles are in service throughout the power network (Wong et al., 2009). According to statistical data of the Turkey Electrical Distribution Company, approximately ten million wood utility poles are used in Turkey (Gezer et al., 2015).

Power utilities persist in utilising preserved wood poles for various reasons, including their long record of performance in service, the ease with which they can be preserved, and because they are less expensive as compared to steel and concrete poles (Bernhardt, 2017). However, the reliability and sustainability of wood utility poles continues to be a challenge for many utilities worldwide. These challenges experienced include recurring premature failures of treated wood poles, which in turn lead to financial losses and the endangerment of lives in the case of electric transmission and distribution power lines (Mugabi and Thembo, 2018).

In Australia, similar reliability and sustainability challenges to South Africa have been experienced with wood poles (Thejane et al., 2012). Here, “pole top fires” have occurred mostly on old wood pole structures around the age of 30 to 35 years due to the fact that aged wood utility poles are found “to be considerably more conductive than new wood utility poles due to wood decaying” (Thejane et al., 2012). In Turkey, it has also been identified that the most significant factor affecting the operational life of wood utility poles is decay due to inadequate impregnation with protective applications, deep cracks, Page 19 of 100 insects, splits and fungi preservatives (Gezer et al., 2015). In the United State of America, wood utility pole failures are mostly caused by hurricanes and result in electricity outages, substantial economic losses, costly repair and maintenance (Mohammed, 2017).

2.3. Life Cycle of Wood Utility Poles

The life cycle of wood utility poles begins with the procurement of raw materials, followed by material manufacturing, product manufacturing, product use and, finally, the disposal thereof (Rajasekhar et al., 2008). The following steps describe the wood utility pole life cycle from birth to death, sourced from (Rajasekhar et al., 2008):

- According to Rajasekhar, “The first step in the life cycle of a wood utility pole is to inventory the materials that go into a utility pole”. Most utility poles are made of timber that has been treated with some preservative to protect against insects, fire and fungi.

- The second step is wood harvesting which usually comprises five parts: felling the trees; chopping the trees to standard sizes and eliminating unused tops and limbs; moving the trees from the forests to a landing area, occasionally called yarding or skidding; the loading of wood poles on a lorry; and transporting the poles to the processing station.

- The third step is applying preservatives to the poles, of which there are many different types of chemicals that can be used, with creosote being the most common choice to protect against rot, fungi, fires and insects.

- The fourth step is to transport the approved quality poles from the processing plant to the utility companies on a self-unloading or flatbed truck, from where they are then transported from the utility yard to their final destination where they will be installed.

- The final step in the life cycle of a utility pole is its disposal at the end of its service life.

2.4. Manufacturing of Wood Utility Poles

A common technique employed to manufacture wood utility poles is to cut down a straight pine-type tree, strip it of its bark and branches, dry the pole out, and then cook a creosote mix into the wood fibres under great pressure (Roman, 2015). After the wood pole has been precast and the preservatives prepared, the next step is to unite the two

Page 20 of 100 products through a procedure known as pressure treating. In this process, the wood pole is saturated in a liquid preservative and then placed in a pressure chamber which forces the chemical into the pole (Rajasekhar et al., 2008).

2.5. Treatment of Wood Utility Poles

Timber is an organic material and as such is subject to insect attack and decay. Treatment techniques such as vacuum pressure processes aid to ensure good preservative penetration which helps to protect the poles from fungi infestation, insects and decay (Mugabi and Thembo, 2018). The primary treatment of wood utility poles differs from remedial treatment with regard to the pole structure i.e. the outer sapwood and the inner heartwood. Figure 4 below indicates the difference between the heartwood and sapwood.

Figure 4: Heartwood and Sapwood Source: (EcoChoice, 2019)

Primary treatment is applied to the outer sapwood of the pole as the cellulose structure of the pole heartwood does not allow for penetration of primary treatment preservatives. Remedial or secondary treatment is applied to the pole if the primary treatment fails to protect the inner pole. Remedial treatment is applied to the heartwood of the pole and diffuses into the heartwood by virtue of the extent of moisture in the pole (osmosis). With regard to primary treatment, this protects the outer sapwood shell only. Over the years various pressurised treatment systems have been developed to extend the service lifespan of wood, creosote being the most common example. These primary preservative have proved to be only partially successful however as only the sapwood Page 21 of 100 is penetrated. Consequently, the heartwood area that is not penetrated by the primary preservative is generally the first area to degrade due to brown and white fungi (soft-rot fungi) as well as termite attack (Morrel, 1996).

2.5.1. Creosote

Creosote is typically comprised of thick, dark brown or black semisolids or liquids derived completely from “coal tar” and having a “typical coal tar odour” (Choudhary et al., 2002).The timber is treated with creosote utilising pressure methods such as the "empty-cell process", or "full-cell process" and is mostly applied through brushing. Aside from being toxic to fungi and wood-boring insects, it also serves as an effective water repellent and is therefore commonly used to waterproof and preserve power line poles.

2.6. Preservation of Wood Utility Poles

Effective preservative and maintenance programmes such as visual inspection and semi- and/or non-destructive techniques assist to determine and prevent internal defects, including damaged zone and decay in wood utility poles (Gezer et al., 2015). Boron-fluoride rods and pills can easily be incorporated into routine pole inspection as well as in-situ maintenance programmes of wood utility poles. These slow-releasing wood preservatives containing boron are used for the internal treatment of poles to prevent brown and white rot fungi from taking hold (Caldeira, 2010).

Page 22 of 100 Chapter 3: Reliability of Wood Utility Poles 3.1. The Definition of Reliability

According to Lundteigen, “reliability is the probability of a system or component to perform its function as expected under specific conditions over a stated period of time” (Lundteigen et al., 2009). In the event that a system or component fails, it must fail safely and avoid disastrous failure (Baroudi, 2014). This suggests that a component or system will have the probability to operate without failure for a specified period and under stated operating conditions. Therefore, reliability measures the likelihood of how long components or systems will run without failure (Raza et al., 2016).

3.2. Reliability of Wood Utility Poles

Wood utility poles are regarded as easy to maintain and their reliability can be prolonged by evaluating and inspecting them through constant checking of the physical aspects of the pole structure, attacks by insects, scratches and mechanical damage (Gravito and Filho, 2003). Wood utility poles can be rehabilitated through the use of “fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP)” to reinforce and extend their service life (Polyzois and Kell, 2007). It has been identified that preventing the degradation of wood utility poles in service increases the pole life, limits accidents such as collapse and reduces power outages (Hron and Yazdani, 2011).

Furthermore, power distribution companies continue to use preserved wood poles for reasons including their long record of performance in service and ease of maintenance (Bernhardt, 2017). With regard to their long record of performance in service, it has been identified that the useful lifespan of a wood utility pole can surpass 25 years, if periodic preventative maintenance is performed on the wood poles in services (Gravito and Filho, 2003). Furthermore, Polyzois and Kell supplement that a standard life expectation for a well-treated utility pole ranges from 30 to 40 years (Polyzois and Kell, 2007).

3.3. Lifetime Assessment of Wood Utility Pole Reliability

Assessments are performed as part of the standard practice to determine whether an object such as a wood utility pole has the required ability to perform its intended function. Lifetime assessment of wood utility poles is important for preservation and replacement decisions. Different factors affect the wood utility pole lifetime estimation, including weather, wood species, the maintenance technique employed and the mechanism whereby the pole is decaying (Christodoulou et al., 2009). The following questions have to be addressed when assessing the lifetime of wood utility poles: Page 23 of 100 1. What conditions require lifetime assessment of wood utility poles? Various situations require an understanding of the behaviour of wood utility poles over their service life, such as: - Decay due to inadequate impregnation with protective applications, deep cracks, insects, splits and fungi. 2. What are the benefits of assessing the wood utility poles throughout their lifecycle? - Reliability projections can be made early in their development, - Accurate prognosis on lifespan performance of specific applications, - “Quality requirements such as failure rates during service life can be evaluated” (Winter, 2012). 3. What are the stresses for the wood utility poles? Stresses such as loads or external stresses have a tremendous impact on the lifespan of the wood utility poles, e.g. humidity, vibration and ambient temperature (Winter, 2012).

3.4. Reliability Indices

Reliability indices are required for quantitative characterisation of a product or system’s ability to perform its operation. Reliability indices depend on time and are statistical in nature (Dibakoane, 2013). An understanding of reliability tools and principles is required for product or system improvement in order to decrease the high costs of unreliability.

The condition of the wood utility pole is an important factor in the performance of the power system network, because deterioration and aging increase the danger of wood pole failure which results in costly maintenance work, power outage and dangers for the safety of citizens, workers and the general environment (Christodoulou et al., 2009). The requirement for wood utility pole life expectancy assessment using performance indices is therefore important. In the context of this study, the following specific power distribution network performance indices are reviewed with the intention of assessing how other power utilities are using them to improve the reliability of wood utility poles. Compliance to these indices (SAIDI and SAIFI) assists power utilities to provide a measureable quality of supply as required by electricity regulating bodies.

3.4.1. SAIFI – System Average Interruption Frequency Index

According to Chatterton, “This reliability index is a measure of how often a customer would experience sustained interruptions on average for a measurement period,

Page 24 of 100 typically a supply period of a year”(Chatterton et al., 2005). The following equation is used to calculate SAIFI:

Equation 1: SAIFI 푇표푡푎푙 푛푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푐푢푠푡표푚푒푟 푖푛푡푒푟푟푢푝푡푖표푛푠 푆퐴퐼퐹퐼 = 푇표푡푎푙 푛푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푐푢푠푡푢푚푒푟 푠푒푟푣푒푑

3.4.2. SAIDI – System Average Interruption Duration Index

As noted by Chatterton, “This reliability index is a measure of how long a customer would experience sustained interruptions on average for a measurement period, typically a supply period of a year”(Chatterton et al., 2005). The following equation is used to calculate SAIDI:

Equation 2: SAIDI 푆푢푚 표푓 푎푙푙 푐푢푠푡표푚푒푟 푖푛푡푒푟푟푢푝푡푖표푛푠 푑푢푟푎푡푖표푛푠 푆퐴퐼퐷퐼 = 푇표푡푎푙 푛푢푚푏푒푟 표푓 푐푢푠푡푢푚푒푟 푠푒푟푣푒푑

The main cause of electrical power interruptions is equipment failure (Manandhar, 2013). According to a study conducted by United Energy (UE) on the power distribution network’s reliability, equipment failures contributed 51.9% of SAIDI, followed by 26.2% from vegetation and weather and 21.9% from other causes in the year 2014 (UE, 2015). Table 1 below shows the equipment failures that resulted in power interruptions and contributed to SAIDI. Source: (UE, 2015).

Equipment Contribution to SAIDI%

Pole Top Structures 27% Poles 6% Conductors 20%

Underground cables 25% Distribution Switchgear 13% Distribution Transformer 7%

Total 99%

Table 1: Equipment failure contribution to SAIDI (2014) Results from Table 1 indicate a 6% contribution to SAIDI from the failure of poles. This may be viewed as a low percentage, however, when wood utility poles fail, they have a huge impact on the entire power distribution network’s reliability because all electrical equipment is attached to the poles. The UE’s network reliability assessment further Page 25 of 100 highlights that in the year 2014, the poles’ contribution to SAIFI (unplanned interruptions) averaged 0.014 minutes and SAIDI (unplanned interruptions) averaged 2.3 minutes (UE, 2015).

The control measure taken by UE to improve the reliability of wood utility poles is to conduct frequent follow-up inspections and evaluation of poles from installation to the end of their service life. After inspection, a preservation or replacement decision can be taken. Wood utility poles that have reached the end of their service life are replaced. Their lifespan is extended by staking wood utility poles that are established to still be in a good condition (UE, 2015).

According to a study conducted by Tjermberg and Chowdhury on the Canadian Utility power distribution network’s reliability, components failures were a major contributors to SAIDI and SAIFI in the year 2000 to 2004 (Chowdhury and Bertling, 2006). The failure trends of components are outlined in figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 shows the failure trends of the SAIDI contribution from component failures, wood poles are some of them. Figure 6 shows the failure trends of SAIFI for the same period and also shows similar failure trends in the frequency whereby customers are affected by component and pole failures (Chowdhury and Bertling, 2006).

% Major component contributions to system level SAIDI

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

% Components contributions to SAIDI Pole Fuse Other Cable Arrestor Arrestor

Insulator Conductor Conductor ubs.Breaker s Transformers Line Hardware Line

Components causes

Page 26 of 100 Figure 5: SAIDI Contribution from Components Failures Including Poles Failures Source: (Chowdhury and Bertling, 2006)

% Major component contributions to system level SAIFI

2000 2001 8

2002

2003 6 2004

4

2

0

Line Line Pole Fuse Other Cable

Arrestor Insulator Hardware Conductor Conductor ubs.Breaker s Transformers % Components contributions to SAIDI Components causes

Figure 6: SAIFI Contribution from Components Failures Including Pole Failures

Source: (Chowdhury and Bertling, 2006) Eighty percent of power outages in the electrical power distribution network occur due to component failures (Chowdhury and Bertling, 2006). The control measure to improve reliability of components in the electrical distribution network, is to set reliability performance standards at the different system level, this assists in planning, operating and maintaining the distribution system. Proper planning, operating and maintaining the system will minimize power outages and their impact on customers (Chowdhury and Bertling, 2006).

3.4.3. The Bathtub Curve

The bathtub curve is found to be a useful tool when assessing the lifetime of products such as wood utility poles. The steepness of the slope in the bathtub curve could indicate the type of failures that occurred, as shown in figure 7. According to Winter, “The bathtub curve looks at the failure rate of a product over time”; and, “A failure rate is described as the percentage by which a product is failing at specific timeframe” (Winter, 2012).The

Page 27 of 100 bathtub curve is a deposition of three failure rates: start-up and commissioning failures, random failures and normal wear out.

Figure 7: Bathtub Curve

Source: (Winter, 2012)

If a start-up commissioning and normal wear-out failure rate are far-off, “there will be a straight line which together with the random failure rate defines the useful life” (Winter, 2012). If the decaying start-up commissioning and the rising normal wear-out curve “are close together there is only a small or no useful life”, which indicates inappropriate manufacturing tools, incorrect material or incorrect design or a combination of these (Winter, 2012).

3.5. Wood Utility Poles Reliability Challenges

Wood utility poles are vulnerable to environmental conditions such as wind, ice, heat, snow and cold, and are also vulnerable to fungi and insect damage (Fournier and Gocevski, 2000). It has been identified that if in-service wood utility poles lean too much due to applied force or pressure, they may develop a crack that runs deep and break off, causing the power line and other electrical hardware, including transformers to fall to the ground (Benoit and Sandoz, 2006). The surfaces of wood utility poles that have been in service for a long period and exposed to harsh weather conditions “can develop sufficient conductivity from surface contamination” which often result in “pole ignition” (Islam and Greg, 2016).

According to Thulasaie, Eskom’s wood poles usually break due to termite infestations (Thulasaie, 2008). Thulasaie further adds that Eskom has been confronted with Page 28 of 100 negligence claims related to the failure of wood poles amounting to fifteen million rand (Thulasaie, 2008). The above context affirms that the reliability of wood utility poles is a serious challenge. Figure 8 below identifies that about 56% of wood utility poles are removed from service due to decay, 38.1% are removed due to road widening and 5.9% are removed from service due to line upgrades, car impacts and other factors (Morrel, 2016).

Figure 8: Reason for Pole Removal Source: (Morrel, 2016)

According to Morrell, decay is the main reason why utility poles are removed and replaced from service. As already stated in section 2.2, the most significant factors affecting the operational life of wood utility poles in Turkey are decay due to inadequate impregnation, deep cracks, insects, splits and fungi. Combating decay will not only improve the reliability of wood utility poles, but will also reduce capital and operational costs, extend their service life, and improve public safety and network performance.

According to Polesaver, protective plastic sleeves assist to protect the wood utility poles from decaying (Polesaver, 2017). These protective plastic sleeves can be applied to utility poles that are to be used in areas where a high number of such poles are decaying due to termite and fungi infestations. These sleeves have been designed to either limit moisture penetration or to facilitate the treatment of surface decay on the poles by acting

Page 29 of 100 as a physical barrier against termite and fungi infestations. Figure 9 below shows the protective plastic sleeves of wood utility poles.

Engineered thermoplastic bituminous liner that melts and seals the surface of the pole when heat is applied. Creates an airtight and watertight seal to the wood surface.

High performance tough outer thermoplastic heat shrink sleeve that isolates the wood from ground. Elastic properties allow it to bridge cracks in the pole up to 25 mm wide.

Standard preservative treated wooden pole.

Figure 9: Protective Plastic Sleeves Source: (Polesaver, 2017)

These protective plastic sleeves can be heat-shrinked, air shrinked or simply wrapped around the poles. The potential benefit of using such protective sleeves is that it eliminates decay and improves the reliability of these poles.

3.6. Factors that Affect the Reliability of Wood Utility Poles

The reliability of wood utility poles can be attributed to the combination of usage, age, maintenance, inspection, environmental factors, component durability and human factors (Rahman, 2003). Figure 10 below is a graphic diagram that indicates the main factors that affect the reliability of wood utility poles.

Page 30 of 100 Maintenance

Durability of Components Age and Usage

Reliability of Wood Utility Poles

Human Factors Environmental Factors

Figure 10: Reliability of Wood Utility Poles 3.6.1. Maintenance

Constant inspection and testing are vital for the reliability of in-service wood utility poles (Morrel, 2016). There are various methods to determine the strength of wood utility poles including old-style destructive testing and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. With regard to the old-style destructive technique, excavation, sounding, boring and visual inspection all fall under this category. However, data is inevitably limited from these testing techniques and can yield misleading outcomes due to the inability of inspectors to guarantee and quantify defects. Inspectors rely on judgement and experience to be able to detect any wood utility pole defects (Rahman, 2003). The NDE technique, on the other hand, is able to predict the strength of wood utility poles accurately and is commercially effective. Devices such as the Shigometer are used to detect wood utility pole decay and other defects but have their own limitations. The Shigometer, for instance is efficient but is influenced by various factors including internal checks, moisture content and wood species (Rahman, 2003). The Shigometer is usually used in the maintenance of in-service wood utility poles and for forest management. It is easy to use, results are quickly obtained and it is reliable.

Page 31 of 100

Figure 11: Shigometer

Source: (Rahman, 2003)

A Shigometer uses a portable drill that is battery powered and has drill bits that are 2.37mm in diameter and up to a length of 30.48cm in order to drill a hole into any pole that requires inspection. The probe is then pressed into the drilled pole hole and the nib of the probe has two conductors that make contact with the opposite side of the hole that has been drilled. The probe is linked to the Shigometer, which measures electrical resistance to a pulsating DC current. The electrical resistance of the wood utility pole in the zone of the conductors can be measured through this method and, by pressing the conductors in order to ascertain the depth, a sequence of resistance reading is obtained. Any unexpected drop in resistance is reported to indicate wood utility pole decay (Wilson, 1983).

In addition, programs such as the Maximo are used for the maintenance management of wood utility poles. The Maximo program is regarded as a tool that can be used to verify product quality improvements, maintenance costs, and plant reliability and availability (Roux, 2019). The Maximo program places maintenance as a strategic core function and records any maintenance work that has been done. If the program is effectively and efficiently managed (Roux, 2019), it helps to:

- Prevent work stoppages, Page 32 of 100 - Improve regulatory compliance and worker safety, - Improve purchasing efficiencies, - Cut spare part costs and inventories, and - Deploy personnel and productive assets more efficiently.

The efficiency and effectiveness of the Maximo program is depended on the human factor, i.e. the accurate reporting and storing of wood utility pole inspection and testing data on Maximo will determine the effectiveness of the program.

3.6.2. Age and Usage

The strength of a wood utility pole is affected by its age and how it is used in service. According to Wong, the aging effect on the wood utility poles has a great impact on the resistance of the wood being used (Wong et al., 2009). The deterioration of the wood decreases the wood’s resistance and thus upsurges the leakage current which contributes to pole fires (Wong et al., 2009). According to Rahman, “In general, the rate of pole replacement increases with the age of the pole population” (Rahman, 2003).

3.6.3. Human Factors

As already stated in sub-section 3.6.1, inspectors rely on judgement and experience to detect defects of wood utility poles. This can yield misleading results which can in turn lead to incorrect actions, such as preserving wood utility poles instead of replacing them, or replacing them instead of preserving them.

3.6.4. Environmental Factors

Pollution and waste, including hazardous waste such as preservative chemicals from wood utility poles have enormous impacts on the environment, as the health of the soil, water, air and wildlife are all affected by the amount of hazardous waste generated daily by utility companies and related businesses (Espinoza, 2018).

3.6.5. Durability

Wood utility poles offer excellent durability and high strength per unit weight when they are accurately treated with good preservatives. The primary treatment of wood utility poles differs from remedial treatment with regard to the pole structure, i.e. the outer sapwood and the inner heartwood. According to Rahman, “The outer Sapwood is normally lighter in colour, less durable and of higher moisture content”, while “The inner dry, durable section is called heartwood with no living cell” (Rahman, 2003). Moisture content also has an effect on the strength of wood utility poles (Rahman, 2003). Page 33 of 100 Chapter 4: Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles

4.1. The Definition of Sustainability

The dictionary definition of sustainability is the ability to maintain a product or system at a certain level or rate. Sustainability focuses on ensuring that products, processes and systems are able to operate and persist on their own for a very long period without failing (Robertson, 2017). In particular, sustainability work is concentrated on the concept of resilience. Walter and Salt (2006, xiii) define resilience “as the capacity of a system to accommodate disturbance and still retain its basic structure and function” (Walker and Salt, 2006).

4.2. Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles

Wood utility poles are regarded as environmentally friendly and are relatively cheap compared to other alternatives. In addition, they are easy to manufacture and recycle. The manufacturing of wood utility poles offers lower environmental impact and lower fossil fuel and water use than concrete poles and steel poles (Bolin and Smith, 2011). Table 2 below shows that in South Africa, Australia and Canada, the price of wood utility poles is cheap as compared to steel poles (White, 2001).

Table 2: Relative comparison costs of galvanised steel and wood transmission poles for Canada, South Africa and Australia

Wood utility poles are relatively easy to sustain and generally last between 20 and 40 years, depending on the prevailing local conditions, while there are also cases where such poles have been in service for more than 40 years. Wood utility poles are easy to install, cost effective and readily available (Gezer et al., 2015).

Page 34 of 100 4.3. Sustainability Challenges of Wood Utility Poles

The primary threats to sustainable development on planet earth are: energy use, population growth, unnecessary waste generation and the subsequent contamination of air, water and soil (Subramanian, 2007). It has been accepted that substantial environmental issues are associated with treated wood utility poles, which typically revolve around the toxic chemical preservatives supplemented to a wood utility pole to extend its service life (Rajasekhar et al., 2008). Treated wood utility poles are exposed to environmental conditions, mechanical stresses and biodegradation. The main causes of reduction in the mechanical properties of wood utility poles are fungal decay, storms, applied physical forces and termite attack. Combating these inherent weaknesses is a challenge as far as the longevity of poles is concerned (Rajasekhar et al., 2008).

Furthermore, in-service wood utility poles may become safety hazards due to vehicle accidents. Figure 8 in section 3.5 indicates that vehicle impacts are one of the reasons why wood utility poles are removed and replaced from service. Although not much can be done to prevent such impacts, vehicle barriers can reduce the severity of any impacts on a wood utility pole. The specification for road safety hardware systems prepared for the New Zealand Transport Agency indicates that car barriers such as the Raptor Crash Cushion, which is a fully recyclable protector that wraps around wood utility poles reduces the impact severity of crashes (Parallaxx, 2017). According to Parallaxx, “This Raptor Crash Cushion serves as a highly compact alternative solution to a full-scale crash cushion, especially at sites where space is limited. It offers car control and energy absorbing capabilities in head-on impacts (where the energy is absorbed by internal plastic cartridges)” (Parallaxx, 2017).

The specification for road safety hardware systems prepared for the New Zealand Transport Agency further indicates that there are two available sizes of the Raptor Crash Cushion for wood utility poles: the Raptor 300 has a length of 2 460mm and the Raptor 600 has a length of 2 760mm. The weight of the Raptor Crash Cushion per shell is 110kg (Parallaxx, 2017). Figure 12 below shows a Raptor Crash Cushion that protects a wood utility pole from vehicle impacts.

Page 35 of 100

Figure 12: Raptor Crash Cushion for Wood Utility Pole Source: (Parallaxx, 2017).

The Raptor Crash Cushion can be placed on any foundation but must always be parallel to the direction of travel, as shown in figure 12. When a wood utility pole is protected by a Raptor Crash Cushion and is impacted head on with a 900kg car travelling at 80km per hour, the impacting car is brought to a controlled stop. When the impact comes from the side at the same speed, the Raptor Crash Cushion redirects the impacting car by up to 20 degrees in a safe manner (Parallaxx, 2017).

4.4. Factors that Affect the Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles

The sustainability of wood utility poles can generally be attributed to: manufacturing, transportation, theft and vandalism, storage, quality management and disposal, as shown in figure 13 below.

Storage Disposal

Manufacturing Sustainability of Wood Quality Utility Poles Management

Transportation Theft and Vandalism

Figure 13: Sustainability of Wood Utility Poles Page 36 of 100 4.4.1. Manufacturing

Although wood utility poles are cheap to produce as compared to steel and concrete poles, they are produced from natural wood material produced from planted trees in forests (Gezer et al., 2015). As the human population grows, the demand for energy supply and space for agriculture and human residence increases, hence leading to limited space for wood tree plantations. The effect of this is that manufacturing companies may not be able to manufacture sufficiently large quantities of wood utility poles in the future.

4.4.2. Disposal

The disposal of wood utility poles that have reached the end of their service life can be a complex matter as they are treated with preservative chemicals such as creosote, and therefore cannot be set on fire, thrown away, or simply piled up anywhere. Wood utility poles that have reached the end of their life are retired in one of the following four ways (Nimpa et al., 2017): - Recycled/repurposed, - Sold or donated to interested users, - Landfilling, or - Incinerated in legalised waste-to-energy (WTE) facilities.

Each of these pole retirement options has some disadvantages. Landfilling is the least sustainable and can be very expensive; WTE facilities may request a great deal of documentation about the condition of the pole and may be situated in remote areas far from utility companies; recycling or repurposing come with moderate liability; while the sale or donation of such poles to interested users, albeit the best retirement option, also carries the potential of highest liabilities (Nimpa et al., 2017).

4.4.3. Storage

When compared to steel and concrete poles, wood utility poles offer benefits in terms of storage space; however, they need to be properly stacked and constantly rotated to prevent the chemical preservatives from leaching to the ground. Stacking wood utility poles clear of the ground assists to reduce any possibility of chemical substances leaching into the soil and also helps to avoid an upsurge in moisture content (Kang et al., 2005). A study conducted by Thulasaie at Eskom’s Howick warehouse indicates that soil degradation on the property is caused by creosote bleeding from improperly stored wood utility poles (Thulasaie, 2008).

Page 37 of 100

In 1998, the University of Patras in Greece conducted a study on the rate of creosote loss from power transmission wood poles. Three different types of wood utility poles were included in the study: 10m light, 11m light and 11m medium. It was established that creosote loss averages at 6.8% per year depending on the type of wood utility pole. The study further found that the amount of creosote leached into the soil in the first year of storage is very high when compared to the total amount of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) permitted in the soil (i.e. 10 000 ug/kg) and can cause a long-term negative effect on the soil (Thulasaie, 2008). The control measures used to prevent creosote leaching due to the storage of wood utility poles include building impermeable containment facilities for the storage of these poles to prevent leaching creosote from entering the natural environment (Thulasaie, 2008). Figure 14 below indicates one type of wood utility pole storage facility that can be built to prevent creosote pollution (GPT, 2019).

Figure 14: Wood Utility Pole Storage to Prevent Creosote Pollution Source: (GPT, 2019).

4.4.4. Transportation

The handling, loading and offloading of wood utility poles does not require special equipment as compared to steel and concrete poles; however, only one size of these poles can be loaded on a truck and transported at the same time.

Page 38 of 100

4.4.5. Quality Management

A quality control management programme for wood utility poles is described as one that incorporates realistic specifications for line maintenance, new poles, periodic inspections, suitable pole installation and pole treatments. It has been identified that the most important factor for the short service life of wood utility poles is poor quality control (Gezer et al., 2015).

4.4.6. Theft and Vandalism

Theft and vandalism are major problems when it comes to utility poles. According to Dzansi, copper cable theft has led Eskom to incur losses of over R350.2 million between 2006 and 2007 alone due to the high cost of security upgrades, replacement cost and power outages as a result of cable vandalism and theft (Dzansi et al., 2014). South African residents have raised numerous complaints over the years about tariff hikes, but Eskom has no other choice than to keep on hiking tariffs to recover the incurred losses from vandalism and theft (Dzansi et al., 2014).

According to Pretorius, these thieves are organised and armed with pulleys, trucks, tractors and industrial cutting tools to flatten the wood utility poles in their effort to steal copper (Pretorius, 2012). Some of the identified measures that can be applied to eradicate copper cable theft and the vandalism of wood utility poles include awareness programmes and physical security guarding. Awareness programmes include the following: posters depicting a copper cable, handing out t-shirts displaying the whistle blower crime hotline number, community forums to spread the message and incentive or reward systems (Pretorius, 2012). Currently, no suitable technology is available to efficiently restrain copper theft and the vandalism of wood utility poles in South Africa, hence physical guarding is the preferred measure when dealing with theft and vandalism (Pretorius, 2012).

Page 39 of 100 Chapter 5: Reliability and Sustainability Management System of Wood Utility Poles

5.1. Background of Wood Poles within the Electrical Power Distribution Company.

Treated wood utility poles are used in the South African electrical power distribution network to distribute electricity safely to rural and certain parts of urban areas. These treated wood utility poles support low to medium voltage overhead lines typically used for 33kV and below. Treated utility poles are the commonly preferred material as they are easy to install, relatively cheap compared to other alternatives, and are governed and controlled via the South African National Standard SANS 754-2015.

The South African electrical power utility company, Eskom has identified the following as advantages of using wood poles in its power lines:

- Price: All wood utility poles are grown commercially in South Africa and the price is very competitive compared to steel and concrete. - Weight: The weight of wood utility poles is very favourable compared to concrete and construction is also made easier. - Ease of construction: Wood utility poles are drillable on site, meaning that the correct configuration and phase spacing can be drilled on site. - Climbable: Wood utility poles that are creosote treated are climbable, which is not the case with concrete and steel. - Renewable resource: All wood utility poles used in South Africa are commercially grown and are renewable. - Longevity: When wood utility poles are dried correctly, treated properly and maintained with a proper inspection and supplemental treatment programme they can last many decades and hence replacement costs are greatly reduced. - Withstands bush fires: Wood utility poles treated with creosote withstand bush fires which occur in the dry regions.

5.2. Logistics and Materials Managements of Wood Utility Poles

The South African electrical power utility company purchases its treated wood poles from suppliers or manufactures that are localised in South Africa. Forecasting of the usage of wood utility poles is undertaken by logistics and materials management and is

Page 40 of 100 updated annually. This forecasting includes but is not limited to the following components:

- A five-year business plan indicating annual projections for treated wood utility poles. - Annual project execution plan: Yearly plans indicating all project items required for the upcoming financial year. - Ongoing historical spend analysis: An ongoing study of product purchases including all standard items and significant optional items.

The forecasting data is used by the commodity’s commercial and technical representatives to derive an annual estimate of wood utility pole usage over a five-year window. The accuracy of the projection is monitored by comparing actual orders with the projections from previous years.

5.3. Storage Preservation of Wood Utility Poles

According to Eskom’s preservation standard for the storage of wood poles, those that are kept at storage yards and construction sites are to be stacked neatly, parallel to each other, on top of sufficient base supports. Where these wood utility poles are stored for longer than two weeks, the requirements for cross-stacking are triggered. The maximum storage time allowed for cross-stacked wood utility poles in the same position is six months. These poles are cross-stacked at least 150mm above ground, while old treated poles identified as scrap poles are used as base supports for the stacking thereof. No decaying poles are permitted to remain beneath the stored wood. The base supports lie horizontal on even ground and are kept in place by triangular wood slats to prevent the stacks from collapsing.

The wood utility poles are stacked at a 90° angle to the base supports and the next level at a 90° angle to the first level and so on. Sufficient base supports are used to prevent bowing/bending and breakage. The poles are stacked together according to their lengths and pole top diameters. A stack is of one size only, as no mixed sizes are permitted in a single stack. The height of these pole stacks is limited to three metres and sufficient spacing is allowed between poles to provide adequate ventilation. A clearance of six metres is maintained between individual pole stacks.

Furthermore, adequate time is allowed to attain the equilibrium moisture of the area where the wood utility poles are to be used in order to minimise twisting of the poles in dryer areas. The storage site is levelled on solid ground and preferably paved with Page 41 of 100 concrete or surfaced with crushed stone. The yard is kept clear of weeds and grass and the perimeter of the premises is adequately walled or fenced. A 15-metre-wide fire break is provided around the yard.

5.4. Planting of Wood Utility Poles during Construction of Electrification Projects

During construction of electrification projects, low and medium voltage wood utility poles are required to be planted in a two-metre drilled hole, as it has been identified that the length of the pole that must be planted underground should be 1.7 metres. This is the length that should be compacted with a concrete cement mixture. Figure 15 below indicates the calculated lengths of the wood utility pole that should go underground relative to the size of the pole.

Pole length underground = ( 0.1 x Pole length) + 0.6

Pole length underground = ( 0.1 x 11) + 0.6 =1.7m

Pole length =11m

Pole length underground =1.7m

Figure 15: Wood Pole Lengths Underground

5.5. Inspection and Testing of Wood Utility Poles

According to the South African electrical power utility company standard, before wood utility poles can be tested, the soil around the pole should be removed to a depth of 300mm (12 inches). After removing the soil, a visual inspection should be carried out to see if any small holes or cracks appear in the wood caused by termites. An inspector has to use a hammer to hit the pole 200mm (8 inches) below ground level and carefully Page 42 of 100 listen to the sound emanating from the pole. This is followed by hitting a second blow at the opposite site of the pole, while the next blow should be aimed at 300mm (12 inches) above ground level. If the pole is rotten, a hallow sound will be heard. If it is in good condition, a solid sound will be heard. These sounds will give an indication of the condition of the pole being tested.

After testing the pole, the inspector must then put all the remaining soil back around the pole and compact the soil by using a rammer. If the pole is found to be rotten, the inspector has to spray a yellow cross (x) with aerosol spray paint about shoulder height on the pole in question to indicate which wood poles are to be replaced.

5.6. Manufacturing Process of Wood Utility Poles

According to the South African electrical power utility company standard, manufactures are expected to ensure that wood utility poles longer than seven metres are kiln dried and that all kilns are to be operated with a drying schedule for each pole. This drying schedule is to be made available for auditing purposes and all records kept on file or on a technography-type recording device.

Prior to their release from the kiln or oven, the moisture content of eight sample wood utility poles per trolley using the oven-dried method is to be taken to verify that the correct moisture content has been achieved. All core samples for moisture and creosote penetration are to be taken from the middle of the pole and not closer than 200mm from each other.

5.7. Maintenance Process of Wood Utility Poles

The core maintenance tasks of wood utility poles entail the annual visual inspection and the 10-yearly inspections (testing). The annual visual inspection is conducted by qualified technicians and any defects identified are addressed as part of the maintenance regime for the corresponding network. The 10-yearly inspections are conducted by external contractors who are approved to replace any poles that are found to be defective.

The stubbing and replacement of poles are predominantly executed during unplanned conditions (corrective maintenance) by mostly internal resources (technicians) and planned conditions (preventative maintenance) by mostly external resources (contractors).

Page 43 of 100 5.8. Reliability Program of Wood Utility Poles

The inspection and testing data of wood utility poles are processed within the Maximo Data Capture (MDC) program. This entire program for inspection, testing and treatment of wood utility poles is outsourced and managed through the plant management and project execution departments. The MDC application is an important system in the management process of wood utility poles with regard to triggering the inspection process and keeping records of inspections and data on defective poles.

5.9. Reliability and Sustainability Planning Assumptions

The key reliability and sustainability planning assumptions are as follows: the key drivers of success for the South African electrical power utility company are the capability of its employees, the visibility of its leadership and the need for sustained pursuit of efficiency gains. The South African electrical power utility company’s operational reliability and sustainability plans are as follows: - Zero harm, - Reducing equipment theft and vandalism, - Reducing carbon footprint, and - Minimising restoration time.

5.9.1. Zero harm

The South African electrical power utility company aims to provide a safe and healthy working environment, with zero harm being the ultimate aim.

5.9.2. Equipment theft and vandalism

The South African electrical power utility company intends to install digital monitoring technology for affected material or plant and to also come up with engineering solutions to prevent theft.

5.9.3. Reducing carbon footprint The South African electrical power utility company intends to roll out environmental principles and train all employees including contractors and suppliers on the mandatory environmental modules (Environmental Law Course).

5.9.4. Restoration time

The South African electrical power utility company intends to ensure proactive preparation for the management of major unplanned outages, ensure minimal interruptions and optimise outage plans by making some planned outages flexible.

Page 44 of 100 5.10. Disposal of Wood Utility Poles

The disposal or selling of scrap wood utility poles is meant to follow the normal path via the South African electrical power utility company’s procurement department. All wood utility poles intended for further usage by the South African electrical power utility company are identified by contractors and technical staff. Scrap poles are to be clearly identified by removing all utility tags and painting a 200mm-wide white band at the top and butt end of these poles. The scrap poles are to be kept apart from the new poles and sold to interested customers.

Page 45 of 100 Chapter 6: Wood Utility Poles in the Electrical Power Distribution Network

This chapter intends to explore the current management system of wood poles within one of the regions of the South African electrical power utility company. The following are assessed and are part of the management system value chain of wood utility poles: maintenance management, storage, logistics and materials management, disposal, inspection and testing, and SAIDI and SAIFI management.

6.1. Case Study 1: Wood Utility Poles Maintenance Management

The plant management and project execution department controls and monitors the performance of wood poles, having developed a wood pole maintenance index as part of the maintenance health dashboard to monitor the status of inspections and defective wood poles within the electrical power utility company. Table 3 and figure 16 show the regional zones’ maintenance index of wood poles, starting from 2012 to May 2019 (Source: Appendix A).

Class 3 & 4: Total Tested Wood Poles from 2012 to May 2019 Total Tested Wood Tested and Replaced Outstanding % Outstanding Poles Per Zone Defective

Zone 1 10104 7309 2795 27.66%

Zone 2 6815 3937 2878 42.23%

Zone 3 5736 2857 2723 47.47%

Zone 4 5165 2866 2304 44.61%

Zone 5 3944 2277 1667 42.27%

Total for LOU 31764 19246 12367 38.93%%

Table 3: Total tested and replaced wood poles from 2012 to May 2019

Class 3 and 4 wood poles are identified respectively as:

- Wood poles with extreme cracks which are broader than 25mm in width in the ground line area, and - Wood poles which are found to have active termites and with internal decay as determined by the inspection hole drilled at 300mm above the natural ground line. Page 46 of 100 Total Tested Wood Poles Per Zone 12000

10000 10104

8000

7309 6815 6000 5736 5165 4000 3937 3944

2857 2866 2000 2277

0 Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 Zone 4 Zone 5

Tested and Defective Replaced

Figure 16: Wood Pole Maintenance Performance as per the Regional Zones (2012 – May 2019)

The maintenance index of the regional zones indicates that from 2012 to May 2019, Zone 1 managed to replace 7 309 wood poles out of 10 104 defective wood poles, followed by Zone 2 which managed to replace 3 937 wood poles out of 6 815 defective wood poles, Zone 3 with 2 857 wood poles out of 5 736 defective wood poles, Zone 4 with 2 866 wood poles out of 5 165 defective wood poles, and Zone 5 with 2 277 wood poles out of 3 944 defective wood poles.

During the period when this case study was conducted, the wood poles’ inspection and testing data were not uploaded and stored on the MDC program (refer to Appendix B). As a result, this case study only focused on the inspection and testing data on the maintenance index developed by the plant management and project execution department. As mentioned in section 5.8, the MDC application is an important system in the wood pole management process with regard to triggering the inspection process and keeping records of the inspection and defective wood pole data.

Page 47 of 100 6.2. Case Study 2: Storage of Wood Utility Poles

For the purpose of this case study, the storage assessment of wood utility poles was conducted at one of the South African electrical power distribution substations.

6.2.1. Background information for storage of wood utility poles at the substation

The distribution substation in question has a capacity of 40MVA (132kV) and is able to power up to 20 000 households around the area. Wood utility poles are stored at the substation due to the construction of a feeder line which spans from the substation and connects to the old nearby feeder line. The MV feeder line is approximately 6.622 kilometres, with a total of 239 11-metre wood utility poles, four 12-metre wood utility poles and 34 cross-arm wood utility poles (refer to Annexure C). In the year 2017, logistics and materials management (Distribution Centre) delivered these wood poles at the substation for the construction of the feeder line project, where they were stored to ensure easy access and to save logistical cost.

6.2.2. Observations

The following were observed during the assessment conducted on the storage of the wood utility poles at the substation (refer to Annexure D):

Figure 17 below shows both defective and new wood utility poles stacked together at the same storage site.

Storage

Figure 17: Storage of Mixed Wood Utility Poles at the Substation

Figure 18 below shows creosote leaching to the ground soil from some of the wood utility poles stored at the substation.

Page 48 of 100

Creosote

Creosote

Figure 18: Creosote Leaching to the Ground Soil

Figure 19 below shows the vandalised wood utility poles stored at the substation.

Vandalized

Figure 19: Vandalised Wood Utility Poles

Of a total of 273 installed feeder line wood utility poles, 150 poles were vandalised by thieves while stealing copper cables.

6.3. Case Study 3: Logistics and Materials Management of Wood Utility Poles

One of the key functions of the South African electrical power utility company’s logistics and materials management system is to plan, acquire, store and distribute wood poles Page 49 of 100 that are intended for maintenance, minor reticulation, electrification and minor projects. The following observations were derived from the structured interview conducted with the logistics and materials management respondents (refer to Annexure E):

- From 2015 to April 2019, logistics and materials management had a backlog for collecting large numbers of abandoned wood poles from various distribution sites as a result of financial constraints. - Logistics and materials management often receive multiple applications or requests for wood utility pole stocks and are battling to cope with the demands. - Logistics and materials management do not forecast the demand for wood utility poles for minor reticulation projects, but depend instead on any requests for wood utility poles which come through customer services which results in a shortage of stock.

6.4. Case Study 4: Disposal of Wood Utility Poles

The South African electrical power distribution network’s wood poles are disposed by burning and also selling them to interested customers. Figure 20 below indicates the numbers of failed and disposed wood utility poles from January to May 2019 (source: Appendix F).

Figure 20: Failed and Disposed Wood Utility Poles (January – May 2019)

Wood utility poles are disposed at the cost of five rand (R5) per metre. The cost of a new wood utility pole ranges from R650 to R2 500 depending on the size (refer to

Page 50 of 100 Annexure G). Table 4 below indicates the lost revenues due to failed and disposed wood utility poles. Failed and Recovered Lost January - May Disposed Wood Cost of New Disposal Revenue 2019 Poles (Quantity) Wood Poles Cost Jan-19 77 R140 886 R3 345 R137 541

Feb-19 146 R56 888 R5 940 R50 948

Mar-19 365 R239 440 R15 175 R224 265

Apr-19 86 R83 487 R3 800 R79 687

May-19 91 R50 512 R54 900 R45 022

Total 765 R575 763 R35 120 R540 643

Table 4: Revenue lost due to the disposal of wood utility poles: January 2019 to May 2019

Cost analysis of wood utility pole failures: A total of 765 wood utility poles failed on the distribution network from January 2019 to May 2019. As a result, a total amount of R540 643 was lost.

Figure 21 below shows the breakdown cost per wood utility pole size, i.e. 5m, 7m, 9m, 11m, 12m and 13m.

BREAK DOWN COST PER WOOD POLES SIZES ( JANUARY - MAY 2019 ) 600 570 R400 000

R350 894 R350 000 500 R300 000 400 R250 000

300 R200 000

R150 000 200 R100 000

100 71 R69 851 R54 768 R50 000 33 R38 495 37 40 14 R24 910 0 R1 725 R0 5 m 7 m 9 m 11 m 12 m 13 m

Y left axis = Failed Failed and Disposed Poles (QTY) Lost Revenue Y right axis = Lost and disposed poles revenue Figure 21: Breakdown Cost per Wood Utility Pole Size (January – May 2019) Page 51 of 100 To use just one example from the above, a total of 14 5m poles failed and were disposed between January and May 2019, which resulted in lost revenue of R1 725.

6.5. Case Study 5: Inspection and Testing of Wood Utility Poles

Line inspections and testing were carried out to identify wood utility poles that are unserviceable and also to identify any poles that are stubbed, attacked by termites and fungal. For the purpose of this case study, the inspections and testing were conducted at one of the electrical power distribution networks within the Limpopo Province. Inspection and testing focused on the wood utility poles that are used on the 11kV and 22kV feeder lines.

6.5.1. Background information for inspection and testing of wood utility poles

After inspecting and testing 12 wood utility poles, two poles were found to be extremely decayed. Pole decay is the main reason why wood utility poles are removed and replaced from service.

6.5.2. Observations

The following were observed during the inspection and testing of the wood utility poles (refer to Annexure H):

Figure 22 below shows a decayed slanting wood utility pole supporting an 11kV and 22kV overhead conductors with an estimated 60-metre span.

Sagging

Slanting

Figure 22: Decayed and Slanting Wood Utility Pole

Page 52 of 100 Figure 23 below shows a decayed wood utility pole that was smashed by a car and which therefore started slanting. Vehicle impacts are one of the reasons why such poles are removed and replaced from service.

Damaged by the car Slanting Figure 23: Wood Utility Pole that was Smashed by a Car

Figure 24 below shows an abandoned wood utility pole that was found lying on the ground during the inspection.

Abandoned pole

Figure 24: Abandoned Wood Utility Pole

6.6. Case Study 6: SAIDI and SAIFI Management

SAIDI and SAIFI are international standards that are used within the South African electrical power utility company to measure the number and the lengths of power interruptions on the distribution network. The South African electrical power utility company’s plant maintenance department controls and monitors the data of the fault events that contribute to SAIDI and SAIFI. For the purpose of this case study, the focus was on the fault events that contributed to SAIDI and SAIFI from January 2019 to May 2019. Table 5 below shows the equipment contribution to SAIDI from January 2019 to May 2019 (refer to Annexure I). Page 53 of 100

Contribution to Equipment Outage Time per Month (Minutes) SAIDI% Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19

Conductors 5551 3716 3550 2675 5066 32%

Distribution Transformers 2082271034762110296921%

Isolators 72 1008 0 701 3%

Wood Poles 2633578635792342106024%

Reclosers 3852651716419506020%

Total 103111748013329754614856100%

Table 5: Electrical power utility company’s equipment contribution to SAIDI (January 2019 to May 2019)

Table 5 indicates that conductors are the main contributors to SAIDI followed by wood poles, distribution transformers, reclosers and isolators. Wood poles can be viewed as the main contributor because when they fail they affect the entire network. Figure 25 below shows the trends for SAIDI contribution from wood poles.

SAIDI contribution from wood poles

7000

6000 5786 5000

4000 3579 3000 2633 2342 2000

1000 1060

0

Wood Poles time( failure Minutes) Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Historical trends

Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19

Wood Poles failure Times ( Minutes) 2633 5786 3579 2342 1060

Total customers Affected 9939 2535 156 6737 6601

Figure 25: Electrical Power Utility Company’s SAIDI Contribution from Wood Poles Page 54 of 100 Table 5 and figure 25 indicate that wood poles are the major contributors to SAIDI. For example, in January 2019, wood pole failures caused the power supply to be switched off for 2 633 minutes or 44 hours, as a result of which 9 939 customers were affected; while in February 2019, the power supply was switched off for 5 786 minutes or 96 hours, as a result of which 2 535 customers were affected. Table 6 below shows the wood poles’ contribution to SAIFI for the period from January to May 2019.

Duration (Monthly) Description

Jan-19Feb-19Mar-19Apr-19May-19

Wood Utility Poles Failures Time (Hours) 4496603918

Total Customers Affected 9939253515667376601

SAIFI 0,0040,0380,3820,0060,003

Table 6: Electrical power utility company’s wood pole contribution to SAIFI (January to May 2019)

“SAIFI is the total number of customer interruptions divided by the total number of customers served” e.g. 44 hours divided by 9 939 customers affected equals 0.004 hours per customer. Figure 26 below indicates the trends for the SAIFI contribution from wood poles for the same period (January to May 2019).

SAIFI contribution from wood poles 0,450 0,382 0,400

0,350

0,300

0,250

0,200 SAIFI

Time Time (Hours) 0,150 Linear (SAIFI)

0,100 0,038 0,050 0,004 0,006 0,003 0,000 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Apr-19 May-19 Historical trends

Figure 26 : Electrical Power Utility Company’s SAIFI Contributions from Wood Poles Page 55 of 100 Chapter 7: Discussion of the Study Results

Electrical power distribution wood poles are exposed to a number of operational conditions that affect their reliability and sustainability, which are elaborated below.

7.1. Maintenance Management of Wood Utility Poles

The overview results in section 6.1 indicate that the South African electrical power utility company has a maintenance management system for wood poles that is applied to ensure that the poles are reliable. Although the Maximo Data Capture (MDC) program is working it is not 100% effective, therefore an opportunity exists to improve the maintenance management system. As stated in sub-section 3.6.1, the Maximo program places maintenance as a strategic key function and allows any maintenance work to be recorded.

From the results in table 3 and figure 16, questions can be raised with regard to the reliability and maintainability of the electrical power distribution wood poles. For instance, from 2012 to May 2019, Zone 1 replaced 7 309 wood poles out of 10 104 defective wood poles, followed by Zone 2 which replaced 3 937 wood poles out of 6 815 defective wood poles etc. These defective wood poles directly or indirectly affect the performance of the electrical power distribution network, as the power supply must be switched off in order to replace any in-service defective poles. As highlighted in section 3.2, preventing the degradation of wood utility poles in service increases the pole life, limits accidents and, most importantly, reduces power outages. Section 3.6 also notes that the condition of the poles is an important factor for the performance of the power system network, because deterioration and aging increase the possibility of pole failure which then results in costly maintenance work, power outage, and dangers for the safety of citizens, workers and the general environment.

Conclusion on the maintenance management of wood utility poles

Inadequate maintenance management results in a higher number of defective in-service wood utility poles not being replaced. This compromises the reliability of the poles, which in turn affects the performance of the entire electrical power distribution network.

7.2. Storage of Wood Utility Poles

Figures 17 and 18 raise questions regarding the storage management of wood poles within the South African electrical power utility company. Figure 18, for example shows

Page 56 of 100 a stored wood utility pole that is leaching creosote to the ground soil. Leached creosote from these poles affects their reliability which then affects their service performance. As discussed in sub-section 4.4.3, stacking wood poles clear of the ground helps to reduce any possibility of chemical substances leaching into the ground and also assists to avoid an upsurge in moisture content. In addition, section 2.5 noted that the heartwood area of a wood utility pole that is not protected by the primary preservative chemical is generally the first area to degrade due to brown and white fungi (soft-rot fungi), as well as termite attack.

Figure 17 shows both defective and new wood utility poles stacked together on the ground, which poses a risk of disposing defective poles together with new poles. As highlighted in section 5.3, such poles are to be stacked together according to their lengths and pole top diameters. A stack is of one size only – no mixed sizes are allowed in a single stack. The height of the pole stacks is limited to three metres and sufficient spacing is allowed between poles to provide adequate ventilation. A clearance of six metres is maintained between individual pole stacks to minimise the twisting of poles in the dryer areas. The storage site is levelled, solid ground and preferably paved with concrete or surfaced with crushed stone. The yard is kept clear of weeds and grass and the perimeter of the premises is adequately walled or fenced. In section 4.4.3 it was also mentioned that building impermeable containment facilities for storing wood utility poles not only helps to prevent leaching creosote but also assists to ensure that the poles are stored properly.

Conclusion on the storage of wood utility poles

Lack of storage management in the electrical power distribution network affects the reliability of wood utility poles due to creosote leakages, which lead to the poles being unprotected and vulnerable to termite attacks and decay. Creosote leakages are also harmful to the environment.

7.3. Effects of Theft and Vandalism on Wood Utility Poles

Figure 19 indicates that theft and vandalism affect the reliability and sustainability of wood utility poles. As shown in figure 19, out of 273 installed feeder line wood poles, 150 poles were vandalised by thieves while stealing copper cables. These vandalised poles affirm the view mentioned in section 1.1, i.e. that the poles are neglected and are

Page 57 of 100 contributors to unwanted electricity outages within the South African electrical power distribution network.

Furthermore, theft and vandalism raise questions about the sustainability of wood poles within the utility company. Sustainability focuses on maintaining a product or system at a certain level or rate. It was stated in sub-section 4.4.6 that thieves are organised and armed with pulleys, trucks, tractors and industrial cutting tools to flatten the wood utility poles in order to get hold of the copper.

Conclusion on the effect of theft and vandalism on wood utility poles The vandalisation of wood poles indicates that the South African electrical power utility company is battling to safeguard its poles within its power distribution network. It also affirms the view that wood utility poles are neglected in the electrical power distribution network.

7.4. Disposal of Wood Utility Poles

The results in figure 20 affirm that the reliability and sustainability of wood poles is a major challenge for the South African electrical power utility company due to the high number of failed and disposed poles per month. For example, 77 poles were disposed in January 2019, followed by 146 poles in February 2019, 365 in March 2019, 86 in April 2019 and 91 in May 2019.

Furthermore, the results in table 4 and figure 21 also indicate that the price of a disposed wood pole is R5 per metre, as compared to the price of a new wood pole which ranges between R650 and R2 500 depending on the pole size. Table 4 further shows that a total of 765 new and old wood poles were disposed from January to May 2019, resulting in lost revenue of R540 643. These lost revenues clearly indicate that reliability indices such as the bathtub curve, which looks at the failure rate of a product over time, are not used within the utility company.

With regard to the disposal of new and old wood utility poles, section 5.10 noted that scrap poles are to be clearly identified by removing all utility pole tags and painting a 200mm-wide white band at the top and butt end of the pole. The scrap poles are to be kept apart from the new poles and sold to interested customers. It was also highlighted in section 4.4.2 that although the sale of such poles to interested users is the best

Page 58 of 100 retirement option, it does however carry the potential of highest liabilities. Recycling or repurposing, on the other hand offer moderate liability.

Conclusion on the disposal of wood utility poles

The high number of disposed wood poles indicates that the South African electrical power utility company is struggling to safeguard its wood pole assets. Furthermore, this results in a huge amount of revenue lost which affects its operational performance.

7.5. Inspection and Testing of Wood Utility Poles

Figure 22 shows a decayed slanting wood utility pole supporting an 11kV and 22kV overhead copper cables with an estimated 60-metre span. In section 3.5, it was pointed out that decay is the main reason why wood utility poles are removed and replaced from service. From figure 22, it can also be seen that the defective pole is not marked, which implies that inspection and testing of these poles are only partially conducted. Section 5.5 notes that if a pole is found to be rotten, an inspector has to use aerosol spray paint to spray a yellow cross (x) about shoulder height on the pole in question. This cross marking the poles will indicate which poles are to be replaced.

Furthermore, figure 22 brings into question the reliability of wood poles within the South African electrical power distribution network. In section 4.3, it was noted that the main causes of reduction in the mechanical properties of wood utility poles are fungal decay, applied physical forces, storms and termite attack which result in the poles slanting. Slanted poles cause conductor sagging on the distribution network, which may in turn cause flashovers when the weather is extremely windy and result in unplanned power outages. Section 3.6 adds that the condition of the pole is an important factor for the performance of the power system network, because deterioration and aging increase the possibility of wood utility pole failure which results in costly maintenance work, power outage, and dangers for the safety of citizens, workers and the general environment.

Conclusion on inspection and testing of wood utility poles

Decay causes the wood poles to fail, which results in costly maintenance work, power outage, and dangers for the safety of citizens, workers and the general environment.

7.6. Effects of Car Accidents on Wood Utility Poles

Figure 23 shows a damaged and slanting wood utility pole as a result of a car accident that occurred in December 2018. Figure 23 affirms that car accidents affect the reliability Page 59 of 100 and sustainability of wood poles within the South African electrical power distribution network. It was pointed out in figure 8 that vehicle impacts are one of the reasons why these poles are removed and replaced from service.

As already discussed in section 7.5, the main causes of reduction in the mechanical properties of wood utility poles are fungal decay, applied physical forces, storms and termite attack that result in wood utility poles slanting, which can then cause conductor sagging on the distribution network. Conductor sagging usually causes flashovers when the weather is extremely windy and results in unplanned power outages. Section 4.3 highlighted that although not much can be done to prevent car impacts, car barriers such as the Raptor Crash Cushion can reduce the severity of vehicle impacts on a wood utility pole.

Conclusion on the effects of car accidents on wood utility poles

Car accidents result in damaged and slanting wood utility poles, which cause unplanned power outages due to overhead conductor contact. This then affects the reliability and sustainability of wood poles within the electrical power distribution network.

7.7. SAIDI and SAIFI Management

As indicated in section 6.6, SAIDI trends show that the reliability of wood poles is a challenge for the electrical power distribution company. For example, during the month of January 2019, the utility company had to switch off the power supply to 9 939 customers for 44 hours due to wood pole failures. Furthermore, SAIDI and SAIFI trends indicate that the future forecast for wood pole failures will escalate even after mitigation. In section 3.4.2, it was noted that other electrical power distribution companies had taken control measures to reduce the high failure rates of wood poles which result in higher contribution to SAIDI and SAIFI. The control measures taken include frequent follow-up inspections and evaluation of poles from installation to the end of their service life. The lifespan is extended by staking wood utility poles that are established to still be in good condition.

Conclusion on SAIDI and SAIFI management

SAIDI and SAIFI trends indicate that wood poles are unreliable within the electrical power distribution network. A high failure rate of wood utility poles results in a higher number of outages which affects customers.

Page 60 of 100 Chapter 8: Conclusion and Recommendations

8.1. Revisit to the study questions

The main purpose of this study was to ascertain answers to the questions raised in the first chapter. The questions in section 1.5 were formulated as follows:

1. How effective is the electrical power distribution’s wood pole management system? 2. What are the factors that affect the reliability and sustainability of wood poles within the South African electrical power distribution network? 3. What control measures can be adopted for wood poles within the South African electrical power utility company?

The summarised answers to the above questions are as follows:

1. How effective is the electrical power distribution’s wood pole management system? The wood pole management system of the electrical power utility company is not 100% effective due to the following:

- There is a high number of defective in-service wood utility poles that are not replaced. This compromises the poles’ reliability which in turn results in costly maintenance work, power outages and dangers for the safety of citizens, workers and the general environment. - There is a lack of storage management. This affects the reliability of wood utility poles due to creosote leakages which leave the poles unprotected and vulnerable to termite attacks and decay. - There is a high number of vandalised in-service wood utility poles. This indicates that the electrical power utility company is unable to safeguard its wood poles. - There is a high number of failed and disposed wood utility poles. This results in lost revenue which affects the electrical power utility company’s operational performance. - The inability to prevent car impacts on the wood utility poles. This results in damaged and slanting poles which cause unplanned power outages due to overhead conductor contact. - SAIDI and SAIFI trends indicate that wood utility poles are unreliable within the electrical power distribution network. A high failure rate of wood utility poles results in a high number of outages which affects customers.

2. What are the factors that affect the reliability and sustainability of wood poles within the South African electrical power distribution network? Page 61 of 100

Factors that affect the reliability of wood utility poles within the South African electrical power distribution network are as follows:

1. Decaying poles: decay causes the poles to start slanting which increases their failure rates. 2. Storage: inadequate storage results in creosote leakages which leave wood utility poles unprotected and vulnerable to termite attacks and decay. 3. Inspection and testing: lack of constant inspection and testing results in defective poles not being marked and replaced. 4. Maintenance: Inadequate utilisation of the Maximo program results in the poles not being properly maintained.

Factors that affect the sustainability of wood utility poles within the South African electrical power distribution network:

1. Car accidents: wood poles are smashed by cars and this poses a threat to both the public and the utility company, as the power line can collapse and damage properties or lead to the injury or death of people. 2. Theft and vandalism: wood utility poles are vandalised by thieves while stealing copper cables which results in substantial financial loss. 3. Weather conditions: heavy wind can cause power interruptions due to conductor contact, which is caused by the conductor sagging as a result of decaying or slanting poles. 4. Disposal: disposing of mixed (new and defective) wood utility poles together at a cheaper price than that of new poles results in financial loss.

3. What control measures can be adopted for wood poles within the South African electrical power utility company?

The following are the control measures that can be adopted:

1. The control measures to prevent creosote leaching due to the storage of wood utility poles include building impermeable containment facilities to ensure that the poles are adequately stored to prevent leaching creosote from entering the natural environment. 2. The control measure to improve the reliability and sustainability of wood utility poles is constant follow-up inspection and evaluation of poles from installation to the end

Page 62 of 100 of their service life. After inspection, a preservation or replacement decision can be taken. Those poles that have reached the end of their service life can be replaced, while the lifespan of poles that are established to still be in good condition can be extended by staking them for additional support. 3. The control measure to improve the maintenance management of wood utility poles is adequate utilisation of the Maximo program, as it places maintenance as a strategic core function and allows any maintenance work to be noted and recorded.

8.2. Recommendations

Based on the literature reviewed, various recommendations are made that could assist to improve the reliability and sustainability of the electrical power distribution network. The following recommendations are proposed:

1. The use of protective plastic sleeves to be applied to wood utility poles that are to be used in areas where high numbers of poles are decaying due to termite and fungi infestations. These sleeves act as a physical barrier against such infestations, thereby protecting the poles and extending their service life. 2. Although not much can be done with regard to vehicle accidents, it is proposed that the electrical power utility company uses car barriers in locations that are more prone to such accidents. A car barrier such as the Raptor Crash Cushion, for example is a fully recyclable protector that wraps around the base of the pole, reducing the impact and severity of any car crashes and thereby protecting the pole and helping to prevent any associated power cuts or damage to the electrical infrastructure. 3. Adequate utilisation of the Maximo program, as it highlights maintenance as a strategic core function and keeps track of any maintenance work that is carried out. 4. The use of the Shigometer to detect wood pole decay and other defects. It is easy to use and results are quickly obtained and reliable. 5. Adequate management of SAIDI and SAIFI, which will assist to accurately forecast and ensure that utility pole failures are mitigated before escalations.

8.3. Conclusion

In conclusion, the factors that affect the reliability and sustainability of wood utility poles were investigated and analysed. Such poles are exposed to various challenges throughout their service life, which reduce their reliability and sustainability. With

Page 63 of 100 specific reference to the South African electrical power utility company, the main wood pole reliability and sustainability challenges are as follows: decay due to termite and fungi infestations, improper storage, theft and vandalism, car accidents, adequate maintenance and the ultimate disposal of these poles. In the recommendations section, proposed solutions to help mitigate these challenges have been made. Finally, although the reliability and sustainability challenges pertaining to wood utility poles cannot be eradicated completely, they can be reduced to acceptable levels through proper maintenance management and protection methods, as outlined above.

Page 64 of 100 Bibliography

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Page 70 of 100 Appendixes:

Appendix A: Electrical Power Distribution Wood Poles Maintenance Index, 2012 – May 2019

TESTED C3 & C4 POLES REPLACED TO DATE

2012/19 Backlog C3,C4 Replaced % completed Outstand % Outst Tested ZONE Zone 3 5736 2857 49.81% 2723 47.47% Zone 4 5165 2866 55.49% 2304 44.61% Zone 5 3944 2277 57.73% 1667 42.27% Zone 1 10104 7309 72.34% 2795 27.66% Zone 2 6815 3937 57.77% 2878 42.23%

Total 31764 19246 60.59% 12367 38.93% Total per feeder

Financial Test Number Zone CNC Feeder C3, C4 Remaining Live Dead year Completed replaced

Zone 3 Dwaalboom - Kammaspan 22kV October

1 2015/16 Dwaalboom CNC Overhead Line 2012 272 267 5 0 5 Zone 3 Rust de Winter - Nokaneng 22kV November

2 2015/16 Bela Bela CNC Overhead Line 2012 65 19 46 0 46 Zone 3 Rust de Winter - Leeukraal 22kv February

3 2015/16 Dwaalboom CNC Overhead Line 2013 130 97 33 0 33 Zone 3 Villa Nora - Beaty 22kV Overhead

4 2015/16 Lephalale CNC Line June 2013 502 238 264 0 264 Zone 3 January

5 2015/16 Modimolle CNC Sanria - Tuinplaas 22kV Line 2014 350 152 198 0 198 Zone 3 November

6 2015/16 Swartwater CNC Tom Burke / Victoria 22kV line 2014 715 454 261 0 261 Zone 3 7 2015/16 Lephalale CNC Villa Nora Marken July 2014 1382 845 381 0 381

Page 71 of 100 Zone 3 Rooiberg Min / Klipdraai 22kV

8 2015/16 Bela Bela CNC line August 2015 304 168 136 0 136 Zone 3 9 2016/17 Bela Bela CNC Warmbron / Lehau 22kV line Oct 2015 174 55 119 0 119 Zone 3 January

10 2016/17 Bela Bela CNC Zwartkloof / Groenkop 22kV line 2016 305 107 198 0 198 Zone 3 11 2016/17 Bela Bela CNC Rooiberg Min / Klipdraai LV line April 2016 147 0 147 0 147 Zone 3 Naboomspruit

12 2017/18 CNC Chromore / Klipspringer 22kV March 2017 63 14 49 0 49 Zone 3 November

13 2017/18 Swartwater CNC Maasstroom / Usutu 22kV 2016 377 103 274 0 274 Zone 3 14 2017/18 Northam CNC Thabazimbi / Pony 22kV Oct 2016 352 168 184 0 184 Zone 3 15 2017/18 Bela Bela CNC Zwartkloof / Mabula 22kV March 2017 306 125 181 0 181 Zone 3 RUST DE WINTER / DILICULU

16 2017/18 Mantsole CNC 22KV Dec 2016 59 20 39 0 39 Zone 3 November

17 2017/18 Bela Bela CNC Warmbron-Nyl 22kV 2016 233 25 208 0 208 Jane Furse - Glencowi 22kV February

18 2015/16 Zone 4 Jane Furse CNC Overhead Line 2012 46 12 34 0 34 Zone 4 February

19 2015/16 Jane Furse CNC Jane Furse / Jane Furse 22kV line 2015 3 3 0 0 0 Zone 4 JANE FURSE / SEOLWANE 22kV

20 2015/16 Jane Furse CNC LINE June 2015 183 163 20 0 20 Zone 4 October

21 2015/16 Burgersfort CNC STEELPOORT / BADIKILA 2014 89 17 72 0 72 Zone 4 22 2015/16 Jane Furse CNC Strydkraal - Nkoana 22kV line August 2013 186 186 0 0 0 Zone 4 Veeplaas - Matlala 22kV October

23 2015/16 Fetakgomo CNC Overhead Line 2012 64 64 0 0 0 Zone 4 December

24 2015/16 Fetakgomo CNC Middelpunt - Hooggenoeg Line 2013 601 232 369 0 369 Zone 4 Marble Hall / Mosesrivier 22kV November

25 2015/16 Marble Hall CNC line 2015 30 1 29 0 29 Zone 4 Vaalfontein North / Vaalfontein November

26 2015/16 Marble Hall CNC North 22kV 2015 26 5 21 0 21 Zone 4 Vaalfontein North / Wolwekraal November

27 2015/16 Marble Hall CNC 22kV Line 2015 53 53 0 0 0 Zone 4 28 2015/16 Jane Furse CNC Jane Furse - Sekwati 22kV Line July 2014 280 105 175 0 175 Zone 4 February

29 2015/16 Jane Furse CNC Naledi - Maserumula 22kV Line 2014 192 40 152 0 152 Zone 4 Naledi/ZaaiPlaas 22kV Overhead

30 2015/16 Monsterlus CNC line May 2014 80 80 0 0 0

Page 72 of 100 Zone 4 January

31 2015/16 Monsterlus CNC Naledi / Ngwanetsi 22kV Line 2016 20 0 20 0 20 Zone 4 32 2015/16 Jane Furse CNC Strydkraal - Phokwane 22kV Line June 2014 111 116 0 0 0 Zone 4 January

33 2015/16 Burgersfort CNC Burgersfort West / Praktiseer 2015 195 116 79 0 79 Zone 4 34 2015/16 Burgersfort CNC PENGE / PENGE 22kV August 2015 478 317 161 0 161 Zone 4 Selonsrivier Olifants 22kV

35 2015/16 Groblersdal CNC Overhead Line August 2015 104 34 70 0 70 Zone 4 Selonsrivier / Selonsrivier 22kV September

36 2015/16 Groblersdal CNC line 2015 46 30 16 0 16 Zone 4 January

37 2015/16 Burgersfort CNC Merensky - Buffelsvlei 22kV Line 2014 350 138 212 0 212 Zone 4 February

38 2016/17 Steelpoort CNC Merensky / Lavino LV 2016 867 647 220 0 516 Zone 4 Roossenekal / Roossenekal 11kV

39 2016/17 Roossenekal CNC OHL July 2016 223 6 217 0 217 Zone 4 October

40 2016/17 Monsterlus CNC Naledi / Arabie Dam 22kV OHL 2016 96 96 0 0 0 Zone 4 41 2016/17 Monsterlus CNC Naledi / Luckau 22kV OHL August 2016 25 0 25 0 25 Zone 4 November

42 2016/17 Steelpoort CNC Merensky / Lavino 22kV 2015 286 127 159 0 159 Zone 4 Marble Hall / Marble Hall 22kV

43 2016/17 Marble Hall CNC OHL July 2016 265 146 119 0 119 Zone 4 Dikgalopeng / Mamphokgo 22kV

44 2016/17 Monsterlus CNC OHL June 2016 124 58 66 0 66 Zone 4 ROOSSENEKAL / MAPOCH RURAL

45 2017/18 Roossenekal CNC 11kV Nov 2016 142 74 68 0 68 Sandsloot - Jackie 22kV Overhead November

46 2015/16 Zone 5 Mokopane CNC Line 2013 177 157 20 0 20 Zone 5 September

47 2015/16 Mokopane CNC Sandsloot - Turfspruit 22kV Line 2014 34 25 9 0 9 Zone 5 Lebowakgomo Mphahlele - Mphahlele 1 11kV September

48 2015/16 CNC MV Overhead Line 2012 8 8 0 0 0 Zone 5 Boyne - Komaneng 11kV October

49 2015/16 Mankweng CNC Overhead Line 2013 145 111 34 0 34 Zone 5 October

50 2015/16 Zebediela CNC Gompies - Droogte 22kV 2012 177 177 0 0 0 Zone 5 Senwabarwana

51 2015/16 CNC Bochum / Alpine Dam 22kV line June 2015 863 415 448 0 448 Zone 5 December

52 2015/16 Gilead CNC Gilead - Hlako 22kV line 2014 687 461 226 0 226

Page 73 of 100 Zone 5 December

53 2015/16 Gilead CNC Chloe - Gilead 66kV Line 2012 99 98 1 0 1 Zone 5 December

54 2015/16 Gilead CNC Pietersburg - Chloe 66kV 2012 0 0 0 0 0 Zone 5 November

55 2016/17 Gilead CNC Gilead / Matebeleng 22kV 2015 313 241 72 0 72 Zone 5 December

56 2016/17 Gilead CNC Chloe / Matlalas LV line 2015 55 55 0 0 0 Zone 5 57 2016/17 Zebediela CNC Gompies / Volop 22kV OHL July 2016 117 80 37 0 37 Zone 5 November

58 2016/17 Gilead CNC Gilead / Keetse 22kV OHL 2016 426 228 198 0 199 Zone 5 October

59 2016/17 Gilead CNC Chloe / Matlalas 22kV line 2015 85 55 30 0 30 Zone 5 February

60 2017/18 Dendron CNC Dendron / Kalkbank Rural 22kV 2017 734 166 568 338 230 Zone 5 Lebowakgomo

61 2017/18 CNC Ga-Maja / Ga-Maja North 11kV Dec 2016 24 0 24 February

62 2015/16 Zone 1 Mutale CNC Makonde - Thengwe 22kV 2013 568 568 0 0 0 Zone 1 Makonde – Dzimauli 22kV November

63 2015/16 Mutale CNC Overhead Line 2012 157 157 0 0 0 Zone 1 64 2015/16 Mutale CNC Makhonde - Tshaulu 22kV Line July 2013 1033 1033 0 0 0 Zone 1 November

65 2015/16 Ha Ravele CNC Ribolwa - Elim 22kV Line 2013 514 514 0 0 0 Zone 1 66 2015/16 Hlanganani CNC Hlanganani - Mbokota 22kV March 2010 450 450 0 0 0 Zone 1 67 2015/16 Hlanganani CNC Hlanaganai / Rotterdam 22kV line July 2015 73 73 0 0 0 Zone 1 September

68 2015/16 Sibasa CNC Muledane / Sibasa 22kV line 2015 562 291 271 0 271 Zone 1 Malamulele - Mhinga 22kV November

69 2015/16 Malamulele CNC Overhead Line 2012 356 356 0 0 0 Zone 1 November

70 2015/16 Malamulele CNC Malamulele - Boltman 1 22kV line 2013 1502 902 600 0 600 Zone 1 71 2015/16 Malamulele CNC Malamulele-Jimmy Jones 22kV June 2014 785 785 0 0 0 Zone 1 January

72 2016/17 Sibasa CNC Muledane / Tshakhuma 22kV line 2016 379 247 132 0 132 Zone 1 73 2016/17 Sibasa CNC Muledane / Tshakhuma LV Poles March 2016 545 407 138 0 138 Zone 1 74 2016/17 Sibasa CNC Nesengani / Davhana 11kV OHL July 2016 335 188 147 0 147 Zone 1 November

75 2016/17 Sibasa CNC Muledane / Sibasa LV line 2015 466 0 466 0 466

Page 74 of 100 Zone 1 Malamulele / Mphambo 22kV

76 2016/17 Malamulele CNC OHL August 2016 529 295 234 0 234 Zone 1 October

77 2016/17 Malamulele CNC Paradise / Mamvuka 22kV OHL 2016 50 25 25 0 25 Zone 1 78 2016/17 Hlanganani CNC Hlanganani - Mid Letaba 22kV line June 2015 117 117 0 0 0 Zone 1 January

79 2017/18 Mutale CNC Sanari / Masisi 22kV 2017 888 379 509 178 331 Zone 1 80 2017/18 Musina CNC PONTDRIF / LINTON 22kV Feb 2017 536 380 156 0 156 Zone 1 December

81 2017/18 Siloam CNC PARADISE-TSHITUNI 22kV 2016 259 142 117 0 117

82 2015/16 Zone 2 Giyani CNC Giyani - Mphakane 22kV Line July 2014 582 149 433 0 397 Zone 2 November

83 2015/16 Giyani CNC Giyani - Mapuve 22kV 2014 270 210 60 0 60 Zone 2 October

84 2015/16 Giyani CNC Giyani - Benstore 66kV 2012 15 10 5 0 5 Zone 2 Thomo - Makhuva 22kV

85 2015/16 Giyani CNC Overhead Line May 2013 487 487 0 0 0 Zone 2 86 2015/16 Botlokwa CNC Soekmekaar / Munnik 22kV line August 2015 431 154 277 0 277 Zone 2 November

87 2015/16 Botlokwa CNC Soekmekaar / Munnik LV 2015 172 53 119 0 119 Zone 2 Botlokwa - Phasha 22kV November

88 2015/16 Botlokwa CNC Overhead Line 2012 87 69 18 0 18 Zone 2 Duiwelskloof - Mooketsi 33kV January

89 2015/16 Mooketsi CNC Line 2014 58 58 0 0 0 Zone 2 Hlanganani - Redmud 22kV / February

90 2015/16 Mooketsi CNC hlanganani sekgosese 2013 296 114 182 0 182 Zone 2 Makutswi / Legalameetsi 22kV January

91 2015/16 Makutswe CNC line 2016 248 214 34 0 42 Zone 2 January

92 2015/16 Makutswe CNC Makutswi / Legalameetsi LV 2016 180 180 0 0 0 Zone 2 Acornhoek - Blyderivier 22kV

93 2015/16 Hoedspruit CNC Overhead Line Nov 2012 301 257 44 0 44 Zone 2 94 2015/16 Hoedspruit CNC Lemara / Oaks 22kV May 2014 254 77 177 0 177 Zone 2 Bolobedu - Modjadji 22kV November

95 2015/16 Bolobedu CNC Overhead Line 2012 202 138 64 0 64 Zone 2 January

96 2015/16 Bolobedu CNC Bolobedu / Boqa 22kV OHL 2016 90 85 5 0 5 Zone 2 February

97 2015/16 Bolobedu CNC Bolobedu / Boqa LV Poles 2016 213 157 56 0 56 Zone 2 98 2017/18 Bolobedu CNC Bolobedu / Maupa 22kV OHL March 2016 143 42 101 0 101

Page 75 of 100 Zone 2 99 2015/16 Bolobedu CNC Mamitwa - Xihoko 22kV Line May 2013 81 76 5 0 5 Zone 2 Risenga - Julesburg 22kV September

100 2015/16 Letaba CNC Overhead Line 2012 217 41 176 0 176 Zone 2 November

101 2015/16 Selati CNC Lulekane – Sewerage 22kV 2012 39 0 39 0 39 Zone 2 102 2015/16 Selati CNC Foskor / Mica 22kV line June 2015 466 347 119 0 119 Zone 2 October

103 2015/16 Selati CNC Chemie / Mashishimale 11kV line 2015 119 75 44 0 44 Zone 2 November

104 2015/16 Selati CNC Chemie / Mashishimale LV 2015 179 0 179 0 179 Zone 2 105 2016/17 Giyani CNC Giyani / Ndhengeza 22kV OHL June 2016 350 145 205 0 205 Zone 2 Augustus

106 2016/17 Mooketsi CNC Klipland / Keerom 11kV OHL 2016 331 109 222 222 Zone 2 October

107 2016/17 Botlokwa CNC Botlokwa / Sekgopo 22kV OHL 2016 305 119 186 0 186 Zone 2 108 2016/17 Selati CNC Foskor / Krugerpark 22kV OHL March 2016 699 571 128 0 128 31764 19246 12367 516 12096

Page 76 of 100 Appendix B: Case Study 1: Wood Poles’ Management

This case study was conducted to explore the electrical power distribution’s wood pole maintenance programmes and their contribution to the reliability and sustainability of wood poles. The following representatives from the plant management and project execution department were consulted with the intention to discover whether management have positive or negative impacts on the reliability and sustainability of wood poles. 1. Ms Melanie Mabasa (Pseudonym): Project Co-Ordinator Technician 2. Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): Plant Management Manager

Question 1 What is the meaning of wood pole maintenance in the electrical power distribution company? Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): Wood pole maintenance means inspecting, testing and replacing defective wood poles with new wood poles. It also means recording the data for analysis. Question 2 Does the electrical power distribution company have a maintenance plan for wood poles? Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): Yes, the wood poles annual visual inspection and the -early inspections (testing) are the core maintenance tasks plan. Question 3 Who conducts the visual inspection of wood poles and the 10-yearly inspections (testing?) Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): The annual visual inspection is conducted internally by the plant management department through the CNC’s (customer network centres) technicians and the 10- yearly inspections are conducted by external contractors who are approved to replace defective wood pole structures. Question 4 What happens to the inspection and testing data? Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym):

Page 77 of 100 Inspections and testing data are processed and managed within the MDC (Maximo Data Capture) program. The MDC program is used to process and manage wood pole inspections and for testing data. The MDC application is an important system in the wood poles’ management process with regard to triggering the inspection process and keeping records of inspections and defective wood poles data. Question 5 Is the MDC (Maximo Data Capture) program effective and efficient when it comes to wood poles’ management? Answer, Ms Melanie Mabasa (Pseudonym): The MDC program is not effective and efficient. Inspection and testing data files cannot be uploaded to the MDC program. The system is unable to upload bigger files. The effectiveness and efficiency of the MDC application is reflected in the wood poles index and the maintenance index cannot be drawn from the MDC program.

Question 6 How do plant management and project execution manage wood poles? Answer, Ms Melanie Mainstry (Pseudonym): The plant management and project execution departments developed their departmental wood poles maintenance index as part of the maintenance health dashboard to monitor the status of inspections and defective wood poles within the Limpopo region. Question 7 How many wood poles are used in the South African electrical power distribution company? Answer, Ms Melanie Mabasa (Pseudonym): No one within the electrical power distribution company can tell the exact number of wood poles that are used in the distribution network. There is no study that was done about discovering the number of wood poles in the electrical power distribution network. Question 8 What are class 3 and class 4 wood poles? Answer, Ms Melanie Mabasa (Pseudonym): Class 3 and 4 wood poles are identified as: - Wood poles with extreme cracks which are broader than 25mm in width in the ground line area, and

Page 78 of 100 - Wood poles which are found to have active termites and with internal decay as determined by the inspection hole drilled at 300mm above the natural ground line. Question 9 What does the wood poles maintenance index mean to the electrical power utility? Answer, Ms Melanie Mabasa (Pseudonym): It means the business unit is failing to manage wood poles. Question 10 What is the cause of inadequate wood poles replacement? Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): Financial challenges, as the project execution department has been instructed by management to stop sourcing external contractors to do wood poles replacement. The project execution department only depend on the internal resources. Internal technicians are tasked to do wood poles replacement but they have limited capability. Question 11 How long does it take to replace one defective wood pole? Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): It can take up to 48 hours, as the electricity supply has to be switched off before any wood poles replacement. An external contractor usually takes less than 24 hours to replace one defective wood pole but technicians usually take up to 48 hours or two days. Question 12 If customers are switched off for 48 hours, what are the financial implications to the business unit? Answer, Mr Mattewis William (Pseudonym): It reflects badly on the performance of the power utility.

Page 79 of 100 Appendix C: Electrical Power Distribution Network Feeder Line Bill of Quantity

BILL OF QUANTITIES Project Name: 22kV Feeder Line Designer: Project No. 01-Nov-16 SCOPE OF WORK OVERVIEW Build 12 km of Hare line from Bambeni to pole GMN467/58

Create a N/O point at pole GMN463 and GMN464

Create a N/O point at pole TXT690 and TXT691

Build 6 km interconnector between GMN583/9 to TXT705/63

Upgrade the Fox conductor between GMN467/18 and GMN467/34 to Mink conductor

Upgrade the Fox conductor between GMN467/44 and GMN467/58 to Mink conductor

Replace 10x 10m poles with 11m poles Please Note:  All structures to be labelled.  All tenders to include a health and safety plan.  All items in the Bill of Quantities which are not shadowed out should be quoted on. If an item does not contain a specific Rand value, it will be accepted that the price for that item is indeed included in the rest/total of the Tender pricing.

 All materials supplied by the contractor shall be in accordance with electrical power distribution standards and specifications and the buyers’ guide. All materials shall be approved by the electrical power distribution company and be marked with the manufacturers’ logo/trade mark and specific part number. Material Labour ITEM REFDWG DESCRIPTION UNIT QTY Total Material Rate Rate SABS 1 PRELIMINARIES 1200A 1.1 Specific requirements 1.1.1 Contractual requirements item 1

Page 80 of 100 Establishment of facilities on site such as plant, sheds, lighting, 1.1.2 item 1 fridge, security lighting, etc. 1.1.3 Supply and install electrical connection to site camp item 1 1.1.4 Supply and install a water connection to site camp item 1 1.1.5 Removal of site establishment item 1 1.1.6 Transport all free-issue material from stores to site item 1 1.1.7 SD&L Requirements item 1 1.1.8 Community Liaison Officer item 1 1.1.9 Development of Local Labour item 1 1.2 Contractor’s time-related items: 1.1.1 Operation & maintenance of facilities month 2 1.2.2 Supervision month 2 1.2.3 Company & head office overhead costs month 2 1.2.4 Machinery hire purchase costs, transport cost to and from site month 2 Assistance and arrangement with stores for transport and delivery 1.2.5 month 2 of material 1.2.6 Receiving, taking control and administering material month 2 Arrangement with Control, obtaining permits, arranging outages, 1.2.7 month 2 etc. and to energise the line Site security, safeguarding material in site camp and during 1.2.8 month 2 construction for day and night 1.2.9 Accommodation month 2 1.2.10 Full-time SHEQ officer month 2 1.2.11 Transport of Construction Personnel as per Directive month 2 1.3 Construction regulations: Cost for Compliance to Construction Regulations requirements as well as Cost for Compliance to the Health and Safety 1.3.1 item 1 Specification, compiling a Health and Safety Plan, etc.; Refer to Sections 2 and 3 1.3.2 Cost for compliance to the Environmental Management Plan item 1 Cost for workers to undergo safety and induction programmes for 1.3.3 item 1 the purpose of working on MV lines

Page 81 of 100 Test Joint: Before construction commences, the crimper to be used for doing crimping on the line shall be used by the Technical 1.3.4 authorised person who will do the joints on the line to crimp the Bulletin test piece. This must be witnessed by the Clerk of Works and Test Certificates 1.3.4.1 1 x Mink test joint ea 1 1.3.4.2 1 x Hare test joint ea 1 Subtotal carried to Item 1 of Summary

ITEM REFDWG DESCRIPTION UNIT QTY

2 Line construction: Poles and stay foundations: Transport imported material to pole position, excavate, dispose excavated material, barricade, supply and install complete foundations for MV poles on the following: D -DT 2.1 Pole foundations 0330/32 Rock (Drill) 2.1.1 11m 180mm Top Dia ea 194 2.1.2 11m 200mm Top Dia ea 45 2.1.3 12m 200mm Top Dia ea 4 D -DT 0330/ Type 3 Soil 32 & 7851 2.1.1 11m 180mm Top Dia ea 194 2.1.2 11m 200mm Top Dia ea 45 2.1.3 12m 200mm Top Dia ea 4 2.2 Line construction cont… Erection of wooden structures: Transport imported material to pole position, excavate, dispose excavated material, barricade, supply and erect the following MV wooden structures: 11m Single-pole / Staggered Vertical (600mm spacing) - Int - 0° 2.2.1 D-DT-1710 ea 146 Dev

Page 82 of 100 2.2.2 D-DT-1711 11m Single-pole / Vertical (600mm spacing) - Int - 1°- 10° ea 2 2.2.3 D-DT-1712 11m Single-pole / Vertical (600mm spacing) - Int - 15°- 30° ea 12 2.2.4 D-DT-1713 11m Single-pole / Vertical (600mm spacing) - Strain - 0° Dev ea 6 2.2.5 D-DT-1713 12m Single-pole / Vertical (600mm spacing) - Strain - 0° Dev ea 4 11m Single-pole / Vertical (600mm spacing) - Strain - (1°- 30°) 2.2.6 D-DT-1714 ea 40 Dev 11m Single-pole / Vertical (600mm spacing) - Strain - (30°- 90°) 2.2.7 D-DT-1715 ea 24 Dev 11m Single-pole Delta 4x 2.5m X-arm - Strain - (60°-90°) 2.2.8 D-DT-1745 ea 7 Deviation 2.2.9 D-DT-1768 11m H-pole 2x 3.5m X-arm Strain Medium (1°-60°) Deviation ea 2 D-DT 0341 2.3 Stay rod assembly: sheet 4 Excavate and install complete 7/4.0 permanent stay rod assembly 2.3.1 ea 388 for MV Excavate and install complete 7/4.0 temporary stay rod assembly 2.3.2 ea 388 for MV D-DT 0341 2.4 Stay Wire: sheet 4 2.4.1 Install complete permanent stay wire assembly m 4656 2.4.2 Install complete temporary stay wire assembly m 4656 Dressing of poles: install complete hardware for the following 2.5 structures: 2.5.1 D-DT-1710 Intermediate staggered 0° Dev Vertical (600mm spacing) ea 146 2.5.2 D-DT-1711 Intermediate Small Angle (1°- 5°) Vertical 600 spacing ea 2 2.5.3 D-DT-1712 Intermediate Medium Angle (15°- 30°) Vertical 600 spacing ea 12 2.5.4 D-DT-1713 Strain Vertical 0° Deviation ea 10 2.5.5 D-DT-1714 Strain Vertical Small Angle ea 40 2.5.6 D-DT-1715 Strain Large Angle (30°- 90°) Vertical 600 spacing ea 24 3 Phase- Delta 2x2,5m Wood Xarm 2x2,5m Wood Xarm -Strain 2.5.7 D-DT-1745 ea 7 (60°-90°) Deviation (for Mink and Hare Conductor) 3 Phase- H-Pole 2x3,5m Wood Xarm-Strain- Medium(1°-60°) 2.5.8 D-DT-1768 ea 1 Deviation 2.5.9 D-DT-1801 3 Phase Take-Off - Vertical (600mm Spacing) ea 2

Page 83 of 100 Section Links Cut/Outs or Disconnectors 2500 Wood Xarm Single 2.5.10 D-DT-1848 ea 4 Pole Dismantle: Dismantle the following structures including the 2.6 accessories and conductor and transport to stores 2.6.1 D-DT-1710 Intermediate staggered 0° Dev Vertical (600mm spacing) ea 10 2.5.2 D-DT-1711 Intermediate Small Angle (1°- 5°) Vertical 600 spacing ea 5 2.5.3 D-DT-1712 Intermediate Medium Angle (15°- 30°) Vertical 600 spacing ea 5 2.5.4 D-DT-1713 Strain Vertical 0° Deviation ea 5 Subtotal carried to Item 2 of Summary ITEM REFDWG DESCRIPTION UNIT QTY 3 Line construction: 3.1 Install the following wooden Fuse Cut Out 3.1.1 D-DT 1848 3-Phase Cut Out 2.5m wood ea 4 3.2 Stringing of the line: 3.2.1 D-DT 3136 String the following length of Hare conductor km 21 Joint Preformed Hare ea 12 String the following length of Mink conductor km 7 Joint Preformed Mink ea 6 3.4 Labelling: 3.4.1 Supply and Install the following pole identification labels 3.4.2 New Poles ea 243 BSKASAB 3.5 Bush clearing G 3 3.5.1 Bush clearing as per standard requirement km 21 3.6 Bird Diverters Supply, transport to site and install BIRD FLAPPER, EBM 3.6.1 D-DT-3053 m 600 SQUIRREL TO KINGBIRD Subtotal carried to Item 3 of Summary

Page 84 of 100 Appendix D: Case Study 2: Storage of Wood Poles at the Distribution Substation For the purpose of this case study, a wood poles storage assessment was conducted on the 12th of April 2019 at the electrical power distribution substation. The inspection of assets is an important task that is carried out within the South African electrical power distribution company to ascertain whether assets (wood poles) are properly managed, are still in good condition and are performing their intended functions. The inspection team included the researcher and the following representatives: 1. Mr Jabu Matopi (Pseudonym); Technology and Quality Engineer 2. Mr Nicolas Waka Nkuna (Pseudonym); Project Engineering Technician Observations:

This image displays the storage of 12-metre new wood poles at the substation

This image displays the storage of mixed wood poles at the substation

This image displays the non-compliances of wood poles stored at the substation

Page 85 of 100 The following observations emanate from the storage inspection meeting held between the researcher and the project engineering technician. The project engineering technician is responsible for managing the storage of wood poles at the substation. Question 1 How many wood poles were ordered for the new feeder line project? Answer, Mr Nicolas Waka Nkuna (Pseudonym) Approximately 277 wood poles were ordered from the Redistribution Centre store. Question 2 When did the new feeder line construction commence? Answer, Mr Nicolas Waka Nkuna (Pseudonym) The construction started around the year 2017. Question 3 When was the new feeder line construction completed? Answer, Mr Nicolas Waka Nkuna (Pseudonym) The new feeder line was first completed in January 2018, but, before commissioning, around 150 wood poles were damaged by the community. The damaged wood poles were replaced and the project resumed again and was completed in early 2019. Question 4 What will happen to the damaged, unused and defective wood poles? Answer, Mr Nicolas Waka Nkuna (Pseudonym) All damaged, unused and defective wood poles will be returned to the stores through logistics and materials management.

Page 86 of 100 Appendix E: Case Study 3: Logistics and Materials Management of Wood Poles This case study aims to establish whether logistics and materials management processes have positive or negative effects on the reliability and sustainability of wood poles. The following representatives from the logistics and materials management department were consulted: 1. Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym); Logistics and Materials Management; Planning Officer Maintenance Projects Question 1 Briefly explain how the logistics and materials management of the wood poles maintenance plan works? Answer: Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) The wood poles maintenance plan is intended to keep stock of the minimum and maximum quantity of wood poles e.g. for 12-metre wood poles a minimum of 100 and maximum of 200 wood poles will be kept at the store. This principle is applied to all the other sizes of wood poles only intended for line maintenance projects. Question 2 What are the wood poles maintenance challenges? Answer: Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) From 2015 to 2019, there have been wood poles maintenance backlogs due to financial crises. External contractors were stopped from replacing defective wood poles and internal technicians offered as the replacement of contractors. It was found that they (technicians) are battling to cope with the wood poles replacement due to staff capacity and capability. Question 3 What then happened to the wood poles that were already purchased? Answer: Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) When external contractors were stopped in 2015, a lot of wood poles were already acquired and distributed to various electrical power distribution sites. Wood poles were acquired and distributed because logistics and materials management had to comply with the yearly wood poles maintenance projections plan. There are many wood poles which are left abandoned at various electrical power distribution sites. Question 4 Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) What is logistics and materials management doing to recover those wood poles that are abandoned at all the various electrical power distribution sites?

Page 87 of 100 Answer: Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Logistics and materials management sometimes collect those wood poles but there are still a lot of wood poles not yet collected. Minor Reticulation Projects

Question 1 Briefly explain about wood poles for minor reticulation? Answer: Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Wood poles for minor reticulations are classified as stock materials. These wood poles are used when there are requests for connecting electricity to small businesses, e.g. bottle stores, churches, spaza shops etc.

Question 2 Does logistics and materials management keep stock of wood poles for minor reticulation? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Yes, logistics and materials management always ensure a minimum reorder point and also work with customer base requests, e.g. if a request is for 10 wood poles, logistics and materials management will acquire 10 new wood poles and forecast lead times. As soon as the acquired 10 wood poles are delivered, then the customers will be given their stock of 10 wood poles, and that stock will be replaced with the new stock. Questions 3 What are the challenges with wood poles for minor reticulation projects? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Logistics and materials management often receive multiple applications or requests for the wood poles stocks and it is difficult to cope with the demands. Electrification Projects Question 1 What is electrification? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Electrification is about connecting electricity to new villages, extensions or new townships. It is part of the government programme to ensure that all households of South Africa have access to electricity. Question 2

Page 88 of 100 Briefly explain the logistics and materials management plan for wood poles intended for electrification projects? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Every financial year, the national electrical power distribution company gives all distribution regions electrifications projections for that financial year, e.g. 25 000, electrification projects for 2018/19. Logistics and materials management takes the projection of the current financial year and previous year then estimates the number of wood poles that should be purchased for the current year. Question 3 What are the wood poles electrification project challenges? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) There are a couple of challenges: 7. After completion of electrification projects most contractors do not return unused wood poles to the electrical power distribution company stores. Contractors abandon wood poles at various distribution sites, and this becomes difficult when logistics and materials management had to recollect those materials. 8. There is also a storage issue, as when end users do not collect their ordered wood poles on time, it creates problems at the distribution store due to the shortage of wood poles yard storage capacity. Minor Projects Question 1 What are minor projects? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Minor projects are post connections, e.g. connecting electricity to only one new household where one or two wood poles are required. Question 2 How does logistics and materials management deal with minor projects? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Logistics and materials management rely on the demand which usually comes through the customer services department. Question 3 Can logistics and materials management plan and forecast wood poles demands? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Yes, but it is not wise because the demand is depended on the public’s request. Question 4 What happens to the wood poles that are returned from site but still in good condition? Answer, Mr Walter Minazo (Pseudonym) Logistics and materials management allocate all unused wood poles to other projects that are currently running and also stores the wood poles.

Page 89 of 100 Appendix F: Wood Poles Disposal Disposal of Wood Poles: January to May 2019 Price of Price of Wood Disposing Wood One Poles Wood Price of New Dates: Site Name: Pole New Sizes Pole (R5 Wood Poles Qty: Wood (metres) per 1 Pole metre) May-19

23-May-19 Ha Ravel 40 13m R 2 600.00 R 1 811.29 R 72 451.60

23-May-19 Mooketsi 4 9m R 180.00 R 656.00 R 2 624.00

15-May-19 Dwaaiboom 37 12m R 2 220.00 R 1 540.22 R 56 988.14

07-May-19 Lebowakgomo 4 11m R 220.00 R 1 221.50 R 4 886.00

06-May-19 Lebowakgomo 6 9m R 270.00 R 656.00 R 3 936.00

Total Disposed Wood Poles 91 R 5 490.00 R 140 885.74 Apr-19

15-Apr-19 Lephalale 30 9m R 1 350.00 R 656.00 R 19 680.00

15-Apr-19 Hoedspruit 10 9m R 450.00 R 656.00 R 6 560.00

05-Apr-19 Mokopane 12 9m R 540.00 R 656.00 R 7 872.00

05-Apr-19 Bela Bela 8 11m R 440.00 R 1 221.50 R 9 772.00

05-Apr-19 Bela Bela 15 7m R 525.00 R 385.85 R 5 787.75

05-Apr-19 Bela Bela 11 9m R 495.00 R 656.00 R 7 216.00

Total Disposed Wood Poles 86 R 3 800.00 R 56 887.75 Mar-19

29-Mar-19 Mokopane 10 9m R 450.00 R 656.00 R 6 560.00

27-Mar-19 Musina 50 9m R 2 250.00 R 656.00 R 32 800.00

27-Mar-19 Bela Bela 250 9m R 10 000.00 R 656.00 R 164 000.00

25-Mar-19 Mankwane 5 9m R 225.00 R 656.00 R 3 280.00

Page 90 of 100 18-Mar-19 Hoedspruit 30 9m R 1 350.00 R 656.00 R 19 680.00

13-Mar-19 Mokopane 20 9m R 900.00 R 656.00 R 13 120.00

Total Disposed Wood Poles 365 R 15 175.00 R 239 440.00 Feb-19

19-Feb-19 Gilead 20 9m R 900.00 R 656.00 R 13 120.00

19-Feb-19 Siloam 16 11m R 880.00 R 1 221.50 R 19 544.00

19-Feb-19 Siloam 56 7m R 1 960.00 R 385.85 R 21 607.60

18-Feb-19 Polokwane 14 5m R 350.00 R 148.20 R 2074.80

07-Feb-19 Mooketsi 15 9m R 675.00 R 656.00 R 9 840.00

06-Feb-19 Hoedspruit 8 9m R 360.00 R 656.00 R 5 248.00

01-Feb-19 Lebowakgomo 4 9m R 180.00 R 656.00 R 2 624.00

01-Feb-19 Selati 8 9m R 360.00 R 656.00 R 5 248.00

01-Feb-19 Lebowakgomo 5 11m R 275.00 R 1 221.50 R 6 107.50

Total Disposed Wood Poles 146 R 5 940.00 R 85 413.90 Jan-19

18-Jan-19 Polokwane 14 9m R 560.00 R 656.00 R 9 184.00

18-Jan-19 Rampheri 10 9m R 450.00 R 656.00 R 6 560.00

17-Jan-19 Bela Bela 43 9m R 1 935.00 R 656.00 R 28 208.00

15-Jan-19 Polokwane 10 9m R 400.00 R 656.00 R 6 560.00

Total Disposed Wood Poles 77 R 3 345.00 R 50 512.00

Page 91 of 100 Appendix G: Case Study 4: Wood Poles Disposal

This case study aims to establish whether logistics and materials management processes have positive or negative effects on the reliability and sustainability of wood poles. The following representatives from the assets disposal department were consulted: Mr Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym): Officer Assets Disposal Question 1 Briefly explain the wood poles disposal process? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Scrap wood poles are sold to external customers. Once the project co-ordinator’s technicians declare that wood poles are defective then the assets disposal department will contact and sell scrap wood poles to interested customers. Question 2 Where do you keep defective wood poles that are to be disposed? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Defective wood poles are kept at the electrical power distribution company sites where the electrification project was taking place. Question 3 How do you price the defective wood poles? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Defective wood poles are priced at R5 per one metre. Question 4 What are the disposing challenges of wood poles? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Defective and non-defective wood poles are stored together and customers end up collecting even the non-defective wood poles. The above is prompted by the fact that the CNC’s (customer network centres) technicians are not on site on the date of wood poles scrap collections. Question 5 Does the assets disposal department have a system to manage wood poles disposal? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Not really, all the disposed wood poles information is kept in the folder on the computer hard drive.

Page 92 of 100

Question 6 Are customers aware of the dangers of the scrap-treated wood poles? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Yes, customers have to sign the indemnity form, which states that the electrical power distribution wood poles are for fencing purposes and it is forbidden to use them for the following: - House roofing - Firewood - Jungle gyms Question 7 Do you visit sites to verify the quantity of the defective wood poles? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Sometimes we do go to site, but most of the time we rely on the information that is submitted to the assets disposal department by the project co-ordinator’s technicians. Question 8 Is logistics and materials management always aware of the latest wood poles disposal? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) There is a gap within the electrical power distribution company, as when it comes to wood poles everyone is doing their own thing. That is why we have so many wood poles challenges. Question 9 Do you have stats to show how many wood poles were disposed from January 2019 to May 2019? Answer, Lexan Dushe (Pseudonym) Yes. The assets disposal department does not have a system to capture the wood poles disposal data; the data is captured on the Word documents folder on the computer hard drive, and the report is presented monthly.

Page 93 of 100 Appendix H: Case Study 5: Wood Poles Inspection and Testing

For the purpose of this case study, wood pole line inspection and testing were conducted on the 17th of May 2019. Line inspections and testing was done to identify wood poles that are unserviceable and also to identify wood poles that are stubbed, attacked by termites and fungal. For the purpose of this case study, wood poles inspections and testing was conducted at one of the electrical power distribution networks within the Limpopo Province. Inspection and testing focused on the wood poles that are used on the 11kV and 22kV feeder lines.

A total of 12 wood utility poles were inspected and tested, of which a total of four wood utility poles were found to have decayed.

The following representatives were part of the wood pole line inspections: 1. Mr Ewart Masuluke (Pseudonym); South African resident 2. Mr Nkosinathi Machimane (Pseudonym); South African resident Residents were also interviewed during the line inspection; this was done to establish the public safety awareness of wood poles reliability and sustainability.

This image displays a wood pole leaning while attached to the electrical apparatus and also a wood pole lying on the ground.

Page 94 of 100 The following observations emanated from the consultation meeting held with Mr Ewart Masuluke (Pseudonym), the resident of South Africa. Question 1 How long was the wood pole lying on the ground? Answer, Mr Ewart Masuluke (Pseudonym) The wood pole has been lying on the ground for almost a year. Question 2 Have you reported the leaning pole? Answer, Mr Ewart Masuluke (Pseudonym) Yes, and every time we see the power utility vehicle we do report it. Question 3 Do you sometimes experience power cuts? Answer, Mr Ewart Masuluke (Pseudonym) Always, every time when there is wind or rain we see fire coming from those cables at the top.

This image displays the non-complying in-service wood pole.

The following observations emanated from the consultation meeting held with Mr Nkosinathi Machimani (Pseudonym), the resident of South Africa.

Page 95 of 100 Question 1 What happened to the wood pole? Answer, Mr Nkosinathi Machimane (Pseudonym) There was an accident; a car crashed into the wood pole. Question 2 Have you reported the incident to the electrical power distribution company? Answer, Mr Nkosinathi Machimane (Pseudonym) Yes, we were given the reference number and people from the company came and told us that the wood pole is still strong and nothing is going to happen.

Question 3 When did the accident happen? Answer, Mr Nkosinathi Machimane (Pseudonym) It was around December 2018.

Question 4 Do you sometimes have power cuts? Answer, Mr Nkosinathi Machimane (Pseudonym) Yes, very often, every time when it is very hot or windy a transformer will burst and we usually hear sparks coming from the power cables at the top.

Page 96 of 100 Appendix I: SAIDI and SAIFI January 2019 to May 2019 Performance Index

STATE CHAN GE CUSTO STATE_CHA EVENT ROOT DURAT MERS_ NGE_ID DATE STATE CHANGE LOCATION CAUSE ION AFF SCENARIO FAILURE_CAUSE 2019/01/24 1716240376 08:00 MULEDANE THOHOYANDOU 1 22kV BKR N 13,086 2280 2019/01/24 1717459964 08:00 MULEDANE THOHOYANDOU 1 22kV BUSBAR 2 ISOLATOR N 12,988 2019/01/24 1717459978 08:00 MULEDANE THOHOYANDOU 1 22kV LINE ISOLATOR N 13 2019/01/24 1717459941 08:00 MULEDANE / THOHOYANDOU 22kV Overhead line Y 13,086 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/27 1716948105 06:31 MAKHUTSWI / BISMARK 22kV Overhead line N 11,995 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/27 1716948104 06:31 MAKHUTSWI / BISMARK 22kV Overhead line Y 11,995 6216 Scheduled Work Replace Poles 2019/01/27 1717475271 06:31 MAKHUTSWI BISMARK 22kV BREAKER N 11,995 6216 2019/01/27 1717475353 06:31 MAKHUTSWI BISMARK 22kV LINE ISOLATOR N 11,158 2019/01/02 1717509489 05:56 SG448 22kV Recloser N 11,417 507 2019/01/02 Maintenance 1717482505 05:56 SG448 22kV Recloser Y 11,417 507 Related Pole Replaced 2019/01/02 1716977299 05:56 SG448 22kV Recloser N 11,513 2019/01/22 Maintenance 1717453534 08:00 THABAMOOPO / SCORPIO 11kV Overhead Line Y 7,758 Related Equipment Related 2019/01/22 1717000865 08:00 THABAMOOPO SCORPIO 1 11kV BKR N 7,758 449 2019/01/30 1717489259 08:02 MILITARY-MILITARY BASE 11kV Overhead line Y 6,797 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/30 1717008410 08:02 MILITARY BASE MILITARY BASE 11kV BREAKER N 6,794 2019/01/30 1717489517 08:02 MILITARY BASE MILITARY BASE 11kV BREAKER N 6,55 1221 2019/01/10 1717406799 06:21 HMR134A 11kV REC N 13,895 2019/01/10 1717064512 06:21 HMR134A 11kV REC N 0,082 93 2019/01/10 1717454377 06:21 HMR134A 11kV REC N 0,05 93 2019/01/10 Maintenance Maintenance / 1717411647 06:21 HABAKUK / MAKURUNG 11kV Overhead Line Y 13,931 Related Construction related 2019/01/10 1717454394 06:21 HMR137 -- ISOL S1 11kV Solid Cutout N 13,642 1519 2019/01/10 1717411651 06:21 HMR134A 11kV REC N 0,008 1612 2019/01/18 1717442841 08:10 FLU/MAE265/1 22kV Solid Cutout Y 5,659 97 Scheduled Work Replace Poles 2019/01/18 1717085175 08:10 FLU/MAE3 22kV Recloser N 5,651 2019/01/18 1717536974 08:10 FLU/MAE265/1 22kV Solid Cutout N 5,05 74 2019/01/25 1717464221 08:00 FLU/MAE265/9 22kV Solid Cutout Y 3,933 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/25 1717085179 08:00 FLU/MAE3 22kV Recloser N 3,933 2019/01/25 1717536986 08:00 FLU/MAE265/9 22kV Solid Cutout N 3,8 23 2019/01/29 1717482528 05:59 CZ235 22kV REC Y 7,432 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/29 1717482525 05:59 TRN300 22kV REC N 0,098 28 2019/01/29 1717482514 05:59 CZ235 -- ISOL S2 22kV Solid Cutout N 7,399 2019/01/29 1717482543 05:59 CZ328 TRN306/28 22kV Ganged Link N 7,095 2019/01/29 1717482520 05:59 CZ300 22kV Solid Cutout N 7,319 18 2019/01/29 1717482512 05:59 CZ235 22kV REC N 7,432 7 2019/01/29 1717484655 05:59 TRN300 22kV REC N 0,202 28 2019/01/29 1717546301 05:59 CZ300 22kV Solid Cutout N 7,319 18 2019/01/22 1717131409 06:01 CZ301/2 22kV REC N 7,316 17 2019/01/22 1717453189 06:01 CZ301/2 22kV REC N 7,451 2019/01/22 1717454795 06:01 CZ301/2 22kV REC Y 7,399 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/10 1717406696 06:00 SGP198 22kV Recloser Y 8,399 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/10 1717406684 06:00 SGP198 22kV Recloser N 8,584 2019/01/10 1717131017 06:00 SGP198 22kV Recloser N 8,467 41 2019/01/15 1717426663 07:00 TLN74/140 22kV REC N 4,508 12 2019/01/15 1717131021 07:00 TLN74/140 22kV REC N 5,4

Page 97 of 100 2019/01/15 1717426591 07:00 TLN74/140 22kV REC Y 5,297 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/09 1717778023 07:30 TBH65/41 22kV Solid Cutout N 9,217 2973 2019/01/09 1717168143 07:30 TBH65/22 22kV REC N 9,55 2019/01/09 Maintenance 1717401169 07:30 TBH65/41 22kV Solid Cutout Y 0,451 Related Equipment Related 2019/01/09 1717401212 07:30 TBH65/22 22kV REC N 0,167 788 2019/01/09 Line Rebuilt / 1717401217 07:28 PML72/2 22kV Rec Y 10,133 Network Related Reconductoring 2019/01/09 1717401215 07:28 PML72/2 22kV Rec N 10,183 2019/01/09 1717283939 07:28 PML72/2 22kV Rec N 10,133 730 2019/01/30 1717489778 10:00 LC308/16 22kV DOEF N 4,29 1 2019/01/30 1717489781 10:00 LC308/16 22kV/400V Trfr Y 4,29 Scheduled Work Equipment Replaced 2019/01/31 1717495832 10:31 LC307 22kV/400V Trfr Y 2,47 Scheduled Work Equipment Replaced 2019/01/31 1717495827 10:31 LC307 22kV DOEF N 2,47 1 2019/01/08 1717394021 08:06 THOHOYANDOU - UNIT C UNIV 1 11kV Feeder Overhead Line Y 10,626 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/08 1717399054 08:06 THOHOYANDOU UNIVEN 11kV BKR N 0,142 2019/01/08 1717312427 08:06 THOHOYANDOU UNIVEN 11kV BKR N 0,258 799 2019/01/30 1717368447 06:00 DMT76/16/48 11kV DOEF N 12,003 64 2019/01/30 Maintenance 1717488938 06:00 DMT76/16/48 11kV DOEF Y 12,003 64 Related Pole Replaced 2019/01/02 1717370384 16:24 DV222 22kV REC N 0,003 247 2019/01/02 Overhead Power 1717370636 16:24 DV222 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/03 1717375453 15:52 DWAF MERENSKY MTS 132KV BREAKER N 0,116 2019/01/03 1717375457 15:52 DWAF 132KV BUS-SECTION ISOLATOR 1 N 0,094 2019/01/03 1717375475 15:52 DWAF 132KV BUS-SECTION ISOLATOR 1 Y 0,123 Isolator Problem Fails To Latch 2019/01/03 1717375448 15:52 DWAF BURGERSFORT WEST 132KV BREAKER N 0,123 2019/01/29 1717482558 06:13 SEDIBENG DZINGIDZINGI 22KV KIOSK BREAKER N 8,933 346 2019/01/29 1717509917 06:13 SEDIBENG / DZINGIDZINGI 22kV Overhead Line N 8,933 Scheduled Work Tree Cutting 2019/01/29 1717482542 06:13 SEDIBENG / DZINGIDZINGI 22kV Overhead Line Y 8,933 Scheduled Work Equipment Repaired 2019/01/29 1717509918 06:13 SEDIBENG / DZINGIDZINGI 22kV Overhead Line N 8,933 Scheduled Work Replace Poles 2019/01/29 1717377713 06:13 SEDIBENG DZINGIDZINGI 22KV LINE ISOLATOR N 8,829 Protection 2019/01/04 Scheme 1717378165 09:50 LOUIS TRICHARDT RIBOLWA 132kV FEEDER BAY Y 1,047 Problem Protection Malfunction 2019/01/04 1717377935 09:50 LOUIS TRICHARDT RIBOLWA 132kV BKR N 1,047 2019/01/04 1717377935 09:50 LOUIS TRICHARDT RIBOLWA 132kV BKR N 1,047 Protection 2019/01/04 Scheme 1717378165 09:50 LOUIS TRICHARDT RIBOLWA 132kV FEEDER BAY Y 1,047 Problem Protection Malfunction 2019/01/07 1717390372 11:51 SPS115/2 11kV Recloser N 0,002 1023 2019/01/07 Overhead Power 1717390506 11:51 SPS115/2 11kV Recloser Y 0,002 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/07 Overhead Power 1717390411 12:02 VWG294 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/07 1717390405 12:02 VWG294 22kV REC N 0,003 36 2019/01/08 1717396369 14:42 MHG286/2 -- ISOL S3 22kV Solid Cutout N 2019/01/08 1717395482 14:42 MHG286/2 22kV REC Y 2,068 Breaker Problem Control Box Failure 2019/01/08 1717396365 14:42 MHG286/2 -- ISOL S1 22kV Solid Cutout N 2019/01/08 1717396368 14:42 MHG286/2 -- ISOL S2 22kV Solid Cutout N 2019/01/08 1717395479 14:42 MHG286/2 -- ISOL S1 22kV Solid Cutout N 2,075 2019/01/08 Wood Structure 1717395811 13:42 BWP163/4 22kV/400V Trfr Y 2,801 3055 Problem Broken / Damaged 2019/01/08 1717395805 13:42 BWP150 -- ISOL S2 22kV Solid Cutout N 2,701 2019/01/08 1717395803 13:42 BWP150 22kV REC N 2,801 3055 2019/01/09 1717402792 13:16 SSK1 22kV REC N 6,891 2019/01/09 Conductor 1717402768 13:16 STRYDKRAAL / SEKHUTLONG 22kV Overhead Line Y 6,891 Problem Broken 2019/01/09 1717407801 14:06 OR343/62A/4 22kV DOEF N 20,775

Page 98 of 100 2019/01/09 1717407803 14:06 OR343/62A/4 22kV/400V Trfr Y 20,775 Scheduled Work Equipment Repaired 2019/01/10 1717411994 22:34 GBD262/126 22kV REC N 0,003 992 2019/01/10 Overhead Power 1717411996 22:34 GBD262/126 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/11 1717415271 17:47 KBK207 22kV REC N 0,003 2428 2019/01/11 Overhead Power 1717415272 17:47 KBK207 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/12 Conductor 1717417684 14:55 MBF346/1 22kV Solid Cutout Y 22,174 Problem Broken 2019/01/12 1717419512 14:55 MBF235 22kV Recloser N 2,869 2019/01/12 1717417681 14:55 MBF346/1 22kV Solid Cutout N 22,131 3 2019/01/14 1717428105 16:21 MBF88 22kV Recloser N 4,315 2019/01/14 1717428353 16:21 MBF195/11 22kV Recloser N 0,003 55 2019/01/14 1717428115 16:21 MBF261/3/2 22kV/230V Two Winding Transformer Y 0,091 Scheduled Work Equipment Replaced 2019/01/14 1717428354 16:21 MBF195/11 22kV Recloser N 0,003 55 2019/01/15 Transient Over 1717430097 15:26 WAPADSKLOOF / SUIKERBOSCH RURAL 22kV Overhead Line Y 0,88 Quality of Supply Voltage / Surge 2019/01/15 1717429281 15:26 WAPADSKLOOF WAPADSKLOOF RURAL 22kV BREAKER N 0,877 17 2019/01/15 1717429283 15:26 WAPADSKLOOF SUIKERBOSCH 22kV BREAKER N 0,875 17 2019/01/17 Overhead Power 1717436954 05:30 VTP138/1 22kV REC Y 3,353 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/17 1717436906 05:30 VTP138/1 22kV REC N 3,353 1479 2019/01/27 1717442925 06:00 MG108A 22kV Recloser N 10,503 1 2019/01/27 1717475244 06:00 MG108A Y 10,503 Scheduled Work Equipment Maintained 2019/01/27 1717475217 06:00 MG108A -- ISOL S2 22kV Solid Cutout N 10,487 Power 2019/01/22 Transformer 1717454419 11:29 JSW199/7/56/89/7/1 22kV/230V Trfr Y 7,077 Problem External Flashover 2019/01/22 1717454418 11:29 JSW199/7/56/89/7/1 22kV DOEF N 7,077 2 2019/01/31 1717499058 08:15 MAU42/1 11kV Solid Cutout Y 9,587 Scheduled Work Equipment Uprated 2019/01/31 1717457627 08:15 MAU42/1 11kV Solid Cutout N 9,587 1 2019/01/31 1717495211 08:15 MARBLE HALL UYSKRAAL RURAL 11kV BREAKER N 9,586 2019/01/24 Customer Load Customer 1717461372 13:11 MUD15 22kV/400V Trfr Y 0 Problem Disconnected 2019/01/24 1717461371 13:11 MUD15 22kV DOEF N 2019/01/24 1717462018 15:43 LT70/5 22kV DOEF N 2019/01/24 Customer Load 1717462016 15:43 LT70/5 22kV/400V Trfr Y 0 Problem Customer Connected 2019/01/30 Overhead Power 1717489930 10:13 SGP289 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/30 1717489863 10:13 SGP289 22kV REC N 0,003 21 2019/01/30 1717524762 11:38 ZG302/82 22kV Solid Cutout N 0,09 38 2019/01/30 1717490236 11:38 ZG293 22kV BKR/BRKR N 0,09 52 Fuse Blown - 2019/01/30 Drop-Out Fuse Associated Equipment 1717490366 11:38 ZG302/82 22kV Solid Cutout Y 0,09 Link Problem Failure 2019/01/30 1717492015 17:04 BWP53 22kV Solid Cutout N 1,546 1287 2019/01/30 1717492797 17:04 BWE29 22kV REC N 0,067 10 2019/01/30 1717491996 17:04 BWE29 22kV REC N 0,107 10 2019/01/30 Overhead Power 1717492081 17:04 BWP53 22kV Solid Cutout Y 1,619 Line Problem Conductor Sagging 2019/01/30 Overhead Power 1717492435 17:34 GBD262/126 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/30 1717492240 17:34 GBD262/126 22kV REC N 0,003 992 2019/01/30 1717492560 18:26 SN58 22kV REC N 1,867 2019/01/30 1717599183 18:26 SN58 22kV REC N 1,5 4322 2019/01/30 1717492559 18:26 SN58 22kV REC Y 1,867 Scheduled Work Replace Poles 2019/01/31 1717494844 06:53 VTP138/1 22kV REC N 0,003 1480 2019/01/31 Overhead Power 1717497916 06:53 VTP138/1 22kV REC Y 0,003 Line Problem Fault Not Found 2019/01/31 1717497917 06:53 VEEPLAAS/THABANAPITSI 22kV Overhead Line N 2019/01/31 Maintenance 1717541292 10:09 GROBLERSDAL VAAL NORTH 22kV BREAKER Y 94,352 Related Equipment Installed

Page 99 of 100 2019/01/31 1717495819 10:09 WOLWEKRAAL VAALFONTEIN NORTH 22kV LINE ISOLATOR N 94,352 2019/01/31 1717496193 11:42 SG8/3 22kV REC N 3,977 2019/01/31 1717496279 11:42 SG8/3 -- ISOL S2 22kV Solid Cutout N 3,901 2019/01/31 Customer Load 1717496273 11:42 SG8/3 22kV REC Y 3,977 Problem Customer Connected 2019/01/31 Customer Load Customer 1717497737 15:28 VNM414/80/4 22kV/400V Trfr Y 0 Problem Disconnected 2019/01/31 1717497735 15:28 VNM414/80/4 22kV DOEF N 2019/01/28 1717502730 09:32 CMK93 - ISOL S2 11kV Solid Cutout N 2019/01/28 1717479722 09:32 CMK93 - ISOL S1 11kV Solid Cutout N 95,941 2019/01/28 1717502578 09:32 CMK65 11kV Recloser N 0,101 4287 2019/01/28 1717479720 09:32 CMK93 - ISOL S3 11kV Solid Cutout N 95,947 2019/01/28 Equipment 1717502580 09:32 CMK93 11kV Voltage Regulator Y 95,975 Scheduled Work Commissioned

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