Rising power demand from data centers and widespread electrification necessitates a shift in transmission infrastructure, forcing utilities to re-evaluate the choice between lattice towers and steel poles. While steel poles have dominated recent decades due to ease of design and domestic supply chain availability, lattice towers offer superior cost-efficiency for high-voltage, long-distance projects. Structural decisions depend on complex variables, including terrain, construction access, and outage constraints. For instance, lattice towers excel in mountainous regions where components can be flown in, whereas steel poles provide necessary flexibility in urban environments with limited rights-of-way. Ultimately, selecting the optimal structure requires balancing upfront material costs with long-term maintenance, construction speed, and the specific operational requirements of the grid. Brandon Goodwin and Zach Brinker from Burns & McDonnell provide this technical perspective, emphasizing that no single solution fits every project.
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