U.S. Utility Transmission Pole Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Pole Size (Below 40ft, Between 40ft-70ft, and Above 70ft), By Material (Steel, Concrete, Composite, and Wood), and Country Forecast, 2023-2030

The U.S. utility transmission pole market size was valued at USD 2.25 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period. 

Electricity poles are column-like structures that support public utilities and services, such as power lines, wires, and cables. These towers support the transmission (transmission lines) of electricity. Depending on the needs and available resources, the size of these poles and the material from which they are made vary. The power pole is about 12 meters high (depending on the terrain) and has a spacing of 38 to 91 meters.

Due to the lockdowns and restrictions on mobility and workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, many construction projects for new transmission and distribution projects were delayed. The delays have resulted in increased costs and reduced returns on funds. In addition, the pandemic also disrupted global supply chains, leading to shortages and price increases for equipment and materials needed for utility transmission poles projects.

U.S. Utility Transmission Pole Market Trends

Rising Development of Composite Materials is one of the Key Trends in the Market

The increasing development and utilization of composite materials in utility transmission poles have a significant impact on driving the U.S. utility transmission pole market growth. Composite materials, such as Fiberglass-reinforced Polymers (FRP), carbon fiber composites, and other advanced materials, are known for their high strength-to-weight ratios. This displays that composite utility transmission poles can offer the same or even greater strength as traditional materials, such as wood or steel, while being much lighter. This makes transportation, installation, and maintenance easier and more cost-effective.

In the U.S., woodpeckers and pests cause millions of dollars in damage to wooden poles yearly. In some cases, when aggressively attacked by woodpeckers, a wooden pole may already be less in strength to support its primary design load two or three days after installation.

U.S. Utility Transmission Pole Market Growth Factors

Growing Demand for Energy is a Fundamental Factor Propelling Market Growth

As the U.S. population increases, so does the demand for electricity. More people equates to more households, businesses, and industries requiring power to function. Urban areas are centers of economic activity and innovation. As people migrate to cities, the demand for energy-intensive services, such as transportation, heating, cooling, and electronic devices, increases, placing additional strain on the power grid. Industrial processes consume substantial amounts of electricity. As economies develop and industrial sectors expand, the demand for energy to power factories and manufacturing facilities rises.

For instance, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the share of electricity consumed increased, and the U.S. residential sector consumed around 5.1 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of electricity in 2022. The projections of residential consumption of purchased electricity increase between 14% and 22% from 2022 to 2050 across all cases, attaining between 5.9 and 6.3 quads.                                                                         

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Growing Adoption of Underground Connections is Hindering Market Growth

The growing inclination toward underground power distribution and transmission connections can impact market growth of utility transmission poles. In densely populated urban areas or locations with limited available space, underground power connections can be more feasible compared to installing above-ground utility transmission poles. This can limit the demand for new pole installations in such regions. Underground cables generally require less maintenance compared to overhead lines and poles, which can be affected by weather conditions and environmental factors. This reduced maintenance can be an appealing factor for utility companies.

U.S. Utility Transmission Pole Market Segmentation Analysis

By Pole Size Analysis

Based on pole size, the market is segmented into below 40ft, between 40ft – 70ft, and above 70ft.

The above 70ft segment held a larger U.S. utility transmission pole market share in 2022 for transmitting higher voltage power lines. These lines carry significant electrical loads over longer distances, and taller poles help maintain safe clearance for the power lines above the ground.

By Material Analysis

Based on material, the market is segmented into steel, concrete, composite, and wood.

The steel segment is a major segment in the market as it is not susceptible to woodpeckers, termites, and other forms of degradation. Steel utility poles offer a certain level of fire resistance for many areas. Due to their strength, these poles can hold larger overhead lines.

• For instance, according to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, an estimated 2.5 million wooden poles are replaced annually. Since 1998, nearly one million steel distribution poles have been installed. They are now being used by over 600 of 3,100 U.S. due to the easy installation, durability, and lower life cycle costs.

List of Key U.S. Utility Transmission Pole Market Companies

In terms of competitive landscape, the market represents the presence of established and emerging electricity transmission tower companies. Stella-Jones is expected to capture a significant market share due to its broad product portfolio and strong brand. In addition, the company is also focused on enhancing its sales, distribution, and marketing channels through partnerships with local partners to strengthen its product reach in the U.S. Other companies with a significant presence in the U.S. market include Saber Industries, Bell Lumber, Pole, and Quanta Services.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Stella-Jones (U.S.)


• Sabre Industries (U.S.)


• Bell Lumber & Pole (U.S.)


• Quanta Services (U.S.)


• KEC International Ltd (U.S.)


• Kiewit Corporation (U.S.)


• Valard Constructions (U.S.)


• Burns & McDonnell (U.S.)


• PLH Group (U.S.)


• Wilson Construction Company (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• September 2022: Bell Lumber & Pole Company acquired the assets of The Oeser Company, a Bellingham-based utility pole manufacturer and supplier. After the transaction, Bell claims to be the largest supplier of utility poles in North America and to expand its presence in the Pacific Northwest.


• September 2022: Stella-Jones entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets used in Texas Electric's wooden pole manufacturing business for a total purchase price of USD 28 million plus approximately USD 4 million in inventory.


• October 2022: RS Technologies and Energy Impact Partners announced a strategic capital investment of more than USD 150 million to accelerate further expansion of RS Technologies' industry-leading utility structure manufacturing business in North America. The company's PowerON line of composite poles is becoming the industry standard for mitigating the impact of extreme fire and storm events and accelerating grid restoration efforts.

REPORT COVERAGE

The U.S. transmission poles market research report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of technological advancements, market trends, and other aspects. Additionally, it includes an overview of the reimbursement scenario for transmission poles, new product launches, key industry developments such as mergers, partnerships, and acquisitions, and the impact of COVID-19 on the market. The report also provides insights into the market trends and sheds light on key industry dynamics. In addition to the factors mentioned above, it includes several factors that have contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.

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