Tower Raisers
March 2026
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Overview
Tower raisers are utility infrastructure solutions designed to increase the height of existing transmission or distribution structures to improve electrical clearance, increase conductor capacity, accommodate system upgrades, or enable integration of new grid assets [1]. Rather than requiring complete replacement of poles or towers, tower raisers provide a retrofit pathway that extends the functionality of existing assets while minimizing civil works and permitting complexity. These systems are typically deployed where utilities seek to increase line performance, improve safety clearances, or support grid modernization without undertaking full corridor redevelopment. Tower raisers can be applied across a variety of transmission and distribution contexts and are compatible with conventional utility construction and maintenance practices.
DOE’s Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) describes tower raising as a method used to restore conductor-to-ground clearance needed for “safe and reliable operation” (example: raising steel structures to address a clearance impairment)[2].
A BPA tower-raising example includes increasing structure height (from 60 ft to 80 ft), using new footings and temporary traveler pulleys, and performing work within an existing right-of-way.
Benefits
Grid Capacity and Flexibility
Tower raisers enable utilities to increase conductor clearances and accommodate higher-capacity lines without the need to construct entirely new structures[3]. By helping reduce sag limitations on current-carrying capacity, they make it possible to get more out of existing lines in many locations. This supports grid expansion and modernization efforts while reducing land-use impacts and the time required to complete upgrade.
Infrastructure Optimization
Because tower raisers build on existing assets, they allow utilities to maximize the value of prior infrastructure investments. This asset optimization approach can reduce lifecycle costs compared with complete tower replacement.
Reduced Construction Impacts
Deployment typically requires limited ground disturbance and minimal additional civil engineering work, which can shorten installation timelines and reduce environmental disruption compared with greenfield projects[4].
Operational Continuity
Tower raisers support phased upgrades that can often be integrated into planned maintenance schedules. This reduces operational disruption and improves flexibility for utilities managing long-term system upgrades.
Adaptability to Future Grid Needs
As demand growth and electrification increase pressure on grid infrastructure, tower raisers offer a scalable solution that allows incremental upgrades while maintaining system reliability[3]. An INL/DOE summary notes that construction of new transmission lines is slowed by land-use challenges, environmental impacts, and project costs, which reinforces the role of upgrades to increase facility capacity within existing corridors.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- Final system completed
- Tested and validated under expected conditions
- Near operational readiness
- Design essentially finalized
Tower raising technologies are commercially available and have been deployed in multiple utility environments[5]. Engineering practices, installation methodologies, and equipment designs are mature and align with existing utility standards and construction workflows.
DOE notes that proven field performance is a requirement for broader deployment of transmission technologies; BPA tower-raising determinations provide examples of field projects[6][2].
Adoption Readiness Level (ARL)
Value Proposition
Delivered Cost
Low Risk
Tower raisers generally offer cost advantages relative to full tower replacement or new corridor development. By leveraging existing infrastructure and avoiding large-scale civil works, utilities can reduce capital expenditure and shorten project timelines while increasing grid capacity in targeted applications. The economics are especially favorable where land acquisition or permitting for new infrastructure would otherwise create cost or schedule risks. Lifecycle cost considerations also benefit from reduced demolition and reconstruction needs.
Functionality Performance
Low Risk
Ease of Use/Complexity
Medium Risk
Deployment methods align closely with existing utility construction and maintenance practices. Installation crews typically require limited additional training, and integration with existing systems is straightforward. Because tower raisers act as incremental upgrades rather than system redesigns, operational switching costs are relatively low.
Market Acceptance
Demand Maturity/Market Openness
Low Risk
Utilities are actively seeking solutions that increase grid capacity and resilience while minimizing costs and permitting challenges. Tower raisers align well with these objectives, creating a clear pathway to adoption within existing procurement and planning frameworks. The market demonstrates openness to retrofit solutions that provide measurable operational benefits without requiring disruptive changes to established workflows.
Market Size
Low Risk
The potential market is significant, given the large installed base of transmission and distribution infrastructure requiring modernization or capacity upgrades. Tower raisers can be broadly applied across geographies and utility types. Growth in electrification, alternative integration, and load expansion further supports long-term demand for cost-effective infrastructure enhancement solutions.
Downstream Value Chain
Low Risk
The downstream value chain is well established, including engineering service providers, manufacturers, construction contractors, and utility asset managers. Existing procurement channels and contracting mechanisms support efficient deployment. The technology integrates naturally into current utility upgrade cycles and infrastructure planning processes.
Resource Maturity
Capital Flow
Low Risk
Infrastructure investment trends and utility modernization programs provide favorable conditions for capital deployment toward retrofit solutions. Tower raisers benefit from clear value propositions and manageable project scales, which reduce financing barriers.
Project Development, Integration, and Management
Low Risk
Utilities and contractors possess substantial experience managing infrastructure upgrade projects. Deployment methodologies are well understood and fit within existing project development frameworks, reducing execution risk.
Infrastructure
Low Risk
Tower raisers leverage existing grid infrastructure and rights-of-way, minimizing the need for new supporting infrastructure. This substantially lowers deployment barriers and increases project flexibility.
Manufacturing and Supply Chain
Low Risk
Components required for tower raising systems are supported by existing manufacturing capabilities and established supply chains. Materials and fabrication processes are familiar to the transmission and distribution sector.
Materials Sourcing
Low Risk
Technology primarily utilizes conventional structural materials that are broadly available in competitive markets, resulting in minimal material sourcing risk.
Workforce
Medium Risk
While installation practices align with existing utility workflows, some additional training may be required for specialized retrofit procedures and safety protocols associated with structural elevation activities. However, these workforce requirements represent incremental adaptation rather than a fundamental shift in labor capabilities.
License to Operate
Regulatory Environment
Low Risk
Tower raisers generally fit within existing regulatory frameworks governing utility infrastructure upgrades. Because projects often occur within established rights-of-way, regulatory pathways are well understood and predictable. Moreover, under FERC Order 2023, consideration of tower raisers as an alternative transmission technology is explicitly required during the generation interconnection process. This further reinforces their role in streamlining approvals and supporting efficient grid development.
Policy Environment
Low Risk
Policy environments that support grid resilience, modernization, and electrification indirectly favor adoption of tower raising solutions. These technologies align with broader public and regulatory goals focused on improving infrastructure efficiency.
Permitting & Siting
Low Risk
Since tower raisers are typically deployed within existing utility corridors, permitting processes are generally straightforward and less complex than new infrastructure builds. However, there may be a need to modify a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) or similar state-issued permit, particularly when tower height limits or other physical restrictions are in place. Siting challenges remain minimal relative to greenfield alternatives.
Environmental & Safety
Low Risk
Environmental impacts are limited due to reduced land disturbance and reuse of existing infrastructure. Safety considerations follow established utility construction standards and can be effectively managed with conventional procedures.
Community Perception
Low Risk
Because deployment occurs within existing infrastructure footprints, community disruption is typically low. Compared with building new transmission corridors, tower raisers may be perceived as a less intrusive modernization option. However, taller towers and more visible structures can still draw public concern, even if they are generally better received than entirely new transmission lines.
Case Studies & Implementation
Ampjack Industries Ltd.
Ampjack Industries Ltd., established in 2013 offers their flagship product, the AMPJACK® tower raising system. This enables utilities to increase the height of existing transmission line structures without service interruptions, thereby enhancing grid capacity and reliability.
Ampjack | Enhance Your Grid Today — Utility Service Agency
Raise Ostrander-Pearl Tower
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) proposes to raise the Ostrander-Pearl No. 1 transmission line including raising the height of structure 10/6 to allow for the City of Oregon City to build an extension of Meyers Road across BPA’s right-of-way. For context, Oregon City is planning a road construction project to connect two segments of Meyers Road, passing under the Ostrander-Pearl No. 1 500-kV and Big Eddy-Chemawa No. 1 230-kV lines. The road extension by the City of Oregon City would be passing underneath the Ostrander – Pearl No.1 between structures 10/6 and 11/1 and the Big Eddy – Chemawa No. 1 transmission line between structures 81/6 and 82/1.
References
- O’Boyle, Mike, Baker, Casey and Solomon, Michelle. Supporting Advanced Conductor Deployment: Barriers and Policy Solutions. s.l. : Energy Innovation GridLab, 2024.
- Bonneville Power Administration. Categorical Exclusion Determination. [Online] January 22, 2020. [Cited: March 11, 2026.] https://www.bpa.gov/-/media/Aep/environmental-initiatives/categorical-exclusions/cx-2020/January/20200122—CX—Raise-Ostrander-Pearl-Transmission-Tower.pdf.
- GridLab. Reconductoring with Advanced Conductors Can Accelerate the Rapid Transmission Expansion Required for a Clean Grid. 2035 Report. [Online] April 2024. [Cited: March 10, 2026.] https://www.2035report.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/GridLab_2035-Reconductoring-Technical-Report.pdf.
- Hoshowsky, Robert. Safer and Smarter Tower-Raising. [Online] Construction in Focus, December 2024. [Cited: March 10, 2026.] https://constructioninfocus.com/2024/12/safer-and-smarter-tower-raising/.
- Idaho National Laboratory. Idaho National Laboratory. Advanced Conductor Scan Project. Idaho Falls : Idaho National Laboratory, 2023. INL/RPT-23-75873.
- U.S. Department of Energy. Advanced Transmission Technologies. Washington, D.C. : U.S. Department of Energy, 2020.
- AMPJACK. Tower Raising. [Online] AMPJACK. [Cited: March 11, 2026.] https://www.ampjack.ca/tower-raise-guide/.
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