The Outdated Loop
Frequently replacing towers is not a sustainable process, nor is it financially efficient. Induron aims to break the cycle of corroding towers and costly replacements.
THE NEVER-ENDING CYCLE
Induron is breaking the never-ending cycle of tower replacement.
The need for a new power transmission line is assessed, followed by meticulous planning, procurement of materials, and installation. The newly constructed tower is fortified with a protective layer of zinc, commonly referred to as galvanizing, which can have a lifespan of 20 to 50 years, contingent upon its quality, quantity, and service environment. This is financed through Capital Expenditure (Capex) funding, thereby distributing the financial responsibility to ratepayers through their imposed rates.
Over the tower's lifespan, regular maintenance tasks are performed. Bolts are periodically replaced, foundations undergo repairs, and in some instances, structural elements are swapped out. However, it's important to note that these routine maintenance activities do not mitigate the gradual degradation of the galvanizing layer, which ultimately leads to corrosion and, ultimately, the failure of the entire structure over time.
Maintenance activities for the tower are categorized under Operations & Maintenance expenditures. Given that the asset was acquired using CapEx funds from ratepayers, the mentality of operation-to-failure takes hold. The objective then shifts to maximizing the asset's operational lifespan before allocating further CapEx funds for its replacement.
As the galvanizing layer diminishes, corrosion sets in, initiating the deterioration of the asset itself. This progression leads to visible corrosion and a reduction in structural integrity, ultimately necessitating the replacement of the entire structure.
Once the existing tower has reached the end of its serviceable lifespan, the cycle starts over — thorough planning, procurement efforts, and assessment for a rate case to install a new replacement tower that is incredibly expensive and potentially disruptive to critical power transmission. This will be classified as a Capital Expense, thereby falling within the responsibility of the ratepayers again.
The Tower is Revitalized
The Tower Is Revitalized
Once the integrity of the galvanizing is compromised, the towers initial environmental protection is ineffective. However, the structural integrity remains intact. Implementing a new protective measure will ensure its preservation.
The application of Induraguard 9200 involves installing it on energized towers, typically at a rate of 1-2 towers per day for standard sizes.
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Download PDFThe recent FERC ruling outlined the specific requirements for obtaining CapEx treatment when revitalizing towers.
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A rate case proposal was successfully submitted, citing examples from utilities employing similar CapEx treatment.
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This is a NEW ADDITION providing SIGNIFICANT IMPACT on the tower to ENHANCE SERVICE LIFE.
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How Can You Implement
This Strategy?
1. Survey Your Assets
This is crucial to comprehending the timeline for tower revitalization. It helps us identify which towers require immediate attention and which ones can wait for decades before implementing Induraguard 9200. This prioritized timeline serves as the foundation for our tower revitalization program.
2. Budget Per Year
After prioritizing the towers, Induron can assist the utility in quantifying the number of towers that need to be addressed each year and estimating the cost impact of the revitalization plan.
3. Compile and Submit Rate Case
The utility develops a rate case proposal worthy of approval for CapEx treatment of a tower revitalization program by documenting substantial life extension at a truly impactful scale.
4. See The Result
A substantial amount of CapEx funding, which would have been allocated for tower construction, is now available for other applications or can be used to offer lower rates.