Old conductors (and associated hardware and connectors) don´t go bald, they just lose a few strands

The power transmission system in North America is growing older. Since there is little new construction, the average age of its component parts is increasing nearly a year for every year that passes. At the same time, in an attempt to avoid new capital investment and the difficulties of gaining approval for new lines, the power load levels imposed on this aging system are increasing each year. This paper concerns the eventual impact of aging transmission conductors on power system reliability