Conn. Agency Posts Double Poles Draft

Connecticut’s utility regulator plans to vote Dec. 21 on a proposed final decision to deal with double poles, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) said Wednesday. Under the draft in docket 21-07-29, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) would approve a single transfer pilot program meant to reduce a backlog of delayed double pole removals. Also, PURA would direct attachers to transfer attachments within 45 days of receiving notification they're next in line to be shifted. It would direct custodians to remove bare poles within 45 days after the last attachment is removed. Companies that fail to meet timelines could risk civil penalties, the draft said. “The proliferation of double utility poles in the state’s public rights of way creates a number of safety, operational, and aesthetic issues,” it said. That and the inability of pole custodians and attachers “to independently remediate the problem, has led to an increasing, instead of decreasing, number of double poles in the state.” Exceptions to the proposal are due Dec. 14, said PURA.