Upgraded Poles

The Southern Maryland Reliability Project’s poles have been engineered to the highest standards and balance functionality with visual aesthetics:

Double-circuit 230-kV poles with a 69-kV underbuild
Reduced vulnerability to damage and nearly maintenance free
Average height of new poles will be 140 feet with 800 feet between poles
Average height of existing poles is 75 feet with less than 400 feet between poles
Taller poles means fewer poles – nearly half as many as the existing line.
Galvanized steel to naturally blend into the horizon

Northern Calvert County

Current 100’ right of way – recently mowed and side trimmed
Existing 69-kV structures

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Holland Cliff to Sollers Wharf

Standard pole - New 230-kV pole
Some Reliability Project poles will look similar to this. The new poles have a galvanized finish.

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Southern Calvert County

Current 150’ right of way – recently mowed and side trimmed
Existing 69-kV structures

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Sollers Wharf to Hewitt Road

Corner pole - Existing 230-kV pole in Aquasco
Some Reliability Project poles will look similar to this example. These are galvanized steel poles.

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Necessary for Reliability

Southern Maryland has grown significantly over the past 30 years. More residents mean more businesses, schools, shopping centers, and first responders – increased demand is pushing the existing system to the limit.

Environment

We’re proud of our environmental track record and have worked to balance the need for reliable power with environmental protection. Impacts will be minimized with protective measures and fully restored after construction is completed.