Case Study

Multi-State Evaluation of DEMIRWRAP® with Xcel Energy

Utility: Xcel Energy
Regions: Colorado, Minnesota, Texas – United States
Infrastructure Type: Wood distribution poles

Xcel Energy operates electric infrastructure across several U.S. states, serving millions of customers through extensive distribution networks. Utilities across these regions must maintain resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding environmental stressors such as wildfire exposure, extreme weather, and aging pole assets.

To evaluate advanced reinforcement technologies, Xcel Energy conducted a series of demonstrations and performance evaluations of DEMIRWRAP® composite reinforcement across multiple service territories.

The Challenge

Electric utilities face increasing pressure to improve grid resilience while managing aging infrastructure and rising replacement costs.

Wood utility poles must remain structurally sound while also meeting operational and safety requirements for line crews. Utilities must ensure that reinforcement technologies:

  • Improve structural integrity of existing poles
  • Perform under fire exposure conditions
  • Maintain safety for lineworkers
  • Remain compatible with standard field maintenance practices

Xcel Energy sought to evaluate whether composite reinforcement could meet these requirements across different operating environments.

The Solution

GridWrap conducted a series of demonstrations and evaluations of DEMIRWRAP® composite reinforcement across multiple Xcel Energy locations.

The evaluations included:

  • Rapid installation and curing of DEMIRWRAP®
  • Controlled fire exposure testing
  • Structural inspection after burn testing
  • Verification of field maintenance compatibility

These demonstrations allowed utility engineers and field personnel to observe both the installation process and the performance of the reinforced poles.

Evaluation Locations

Colorado – Fire Performance Demonstration

In Colorado, DEMIRWRAP®-reinforced poles were subjected to controlled fire exposure to evaluate performance under wildfire conditions. Following the burn test, the reinforced pole maintained structural integrity and remained climbable for lineworkers.

Xcel Energy wood utility pole reinforcement across Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas for wildfire prevention

Minnesota – Fire Safety and Material Behavior

In Minnesota, a live fire demonstration was conducted to evaluate the behavior of DEMIRWRAP® during flame exposure. Firefighters monitored the test and measured potential outgassing of the composite material. No detectable outgassing was recorded during the evaluation, and the reinforced pole remained structurally stable and serviceable.

Texas – Structural Integrity and Field Practicality

In Amarillo, Texas, demonstrations focused on installation practicality and field compatibility. After installation and fire testing, crews verified that the reinforced pole remained drillable, confirming that DEMIRWRAP® does not interfere with standard utility maintenance practices.

The Result

Across all evaluation sites, DEMIRWRAP® demonstrated:

  • Structural reinforcement of wood utility poles
  • Stability following controlled fire exposure
  • Compatibility with lineworker operations
  • Integration with standard maintenance procedures

The multi-state evaluations confirmed that composite reinforcement can strengthen existing infrastructure while maintaining the operational functionality required by utilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Multi-state evaluation across Xcel Energy service territories
  • Fire exposure testing under controlled conditions
  • Reinforced poles remained climbable after burn testing
  • No detectable outgassing observed during fire monitoring
  • Poles remained drillable after reinforcement
  • Compatible with standard utility maintenance practices
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