BOZEMAN – Northwestern Energy Montana Division Manager Matt Fettig says replacing utility poles is part of the infrastructure replacement program.

“You know, our power grid in Bozeman is in perfect shape. We are constantly improving and improving the system. It is exactly what we are doing today,” says Fettig.

Linemen gathered Thursday to hoist in and replace a nearly 50-year-old pine utility pole.

“It’s a program that we have, a recurring program where we inspect piles, and we continually upgrade and improve our system from year to year. Last year it was planned to be replaced, but it is at the end of its life,” says Fettig.

We reported on several power outages in August and September that affected thousands of customers after a series of wind and rain storms swept through southwestern Montana, including the Gallatin Valley and Butte.

“Unfortunately, we are in Montana and storm events happen. I know we’ve experienced winds of over 75mph on the first one, and if that’s the case, unfortunately we’re going to have some disruptions,” Fettig said.

Fettig says many storm outages occur when a tree from outside the right-of-way falls into a power line.

“If that happens, it will be weather conditions that are beyond our control, and it will be up to us to respond, make the situation safe and restore power as quickly as possible,” Fettig said.

And these linemen work around the clock to keep the lights on.

“It’s a 24/7 job. Three hundred and sixty-five days a year,” says Fettig.

And as the valley’s population continues to grow…

“We’ll predict where the new growth will come from, Bozeman, so we can stay ahead of it. We are upgrading the equipment in substations and pole and wire equipment to have more capacity,” says Fettig.