How McWane Poles helped Tennessee utilities weather Hurricane Helene

McWane Poles was recently featured in an industry publication for its work with Erwin Utilities after Hurricane Helene left behind significant repairs for local power providers. Floodwaters along the Nolichucky River washed away utility infrastructure and electrical cooperatives saw over 1,400 poles downed. McWane Poles played a critical role in helping utilities restore power rapidly and build a more resilient grid for the future.

For Erwin Utilities, electric and fiber service provider to Unicoi County and surrounding areas, the immediate aftermath demanded quick action. Because McWane Poles offered significantly shorter lead times than steel manufacturers, Erwin kept its recovery work moving without delay. To protect against future floods, crews set the poles five feet deeper than standard practice and encased the bases in concrete. Erwin crews also noted that the poles were easier to drill and modify than steel, praising the technical guidance provided by the Southeast regional sales team.

Meanwhile, Mountain Electric Cooperative (MEC) benefited from its long-standing partnership and strategic placement of McWane poles in remote, hard-to-reach areas. Despite catastrophic regional damage, not a single McWane ductile iron pole failed. In a remote national forest circuit where a massive falling tree brought down nearly an entire line, the single impacted McWane pole bent under the pressure but stayed upright and structurally sound. Elsewhere, McWane poles stood firm while neighboring wood poles were completely washed away.

Whether supplying rapid materials for emergency disaster recovery or providing durability in extreme terrain, McWane Poles deliver the strength utilities need to weather the worst storms.