PGE standards meet or exceed standards set by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), which IEEE keeps up to date with industry and technology changes. The NESC establishes ground rules and guidelines for practical safeguarding of the public and utility workers during the installation, operation and maintenance of electric supply and associated equipment. PGE and contractor engineers are seasoned professionals with experience designing structures to PGE standards and NESC requirements. All PGE design documents are stamped by a professional engineer registered in the state of Oregon. Because safety is a top priority, PGE conducts annual patrols to visually inspect structures, insulators, hardware, conductors and static wire. If PGE identifies any issues, we perform the work necessary to maintain compliance with NESC standards. Every ten years, PGE inspects utility poles that support overhead equipment to assess pole condition. Depending on the pole’s condition, PGE will either apply remedial preservatives to help maintain pole condition, or we will replace the pole. An informational video about how overhead power lines are constructed is available under the Resources tab.