Otis Singleton
A double pole electric company is a situation where a replacement utility pole is erected next to an existing pole to facilitate the transfer of electric wires, telephone wires, or cable wires from the old pole to the new one. While double poles are illegal in some places, such as Massachusetts, they are sometimes necessary due to system upgrades, construction projects, or safety concerns. Residents are encouraged to report double poles to the relevant authorities to ensure compliance with regulations and to mitigate potential hazards. Homeowners are typically responsible for repairs to the cable that runs from the pole to their homes, while the power company maintains the cable up to the connection point.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A double utility pole occurs when a replacement pole is built alongside the pole to be replaced for the purpose of transferring the electric, telephone, cable, or other wires from one pole to the other. |
| Legality | Double utility poles are illegal in Massachusetts. |
| Safety | Double utility poles are considered unsafe and a potential hazard. |
| Aesthetics | Double utility poles are considered eyesores. |
| Reporting | Double pole reports filed by electric companies can be found in D.P.U. 03-87. |
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What You'll Learn
- Double utility poles are unsafe and illegal in Massachusetts
- Electric companies are responsible for wires up to the point of connection
- Homeowners are responsible for repairs to the electric service wire from the street to the house
- Double poles are required when system upgrades cannot be accommodated by the existing pole
- Third-party companies are licensed to hang attachments like telephone and cable wires to utility poles
Double utility poles are unsafe and illegal in Massachusetts
According to Massachusetts state law, utility or telephone companies are given 90 days to transfer the wires and remove the old pole. However, there is no penalty under the law if a company fails to comply. This has resulted in a growing number of double utility poles across the state, with many residents reporting their own encounters with these poles. These poles are not just an eyesore but also a potential safety hazard, as they may not be structurally sound.
The responsibility for moving lines on double utility poles falls on the companies that own the poles, which include National Grid, Eversource, and Verizon. These companies must move their own lines, and any attached third-party lines, to the new pole before the old pole can be removed. However, the challenge arises when multiple companies are involved, as coordinating the transfer of lines between them can cause delays.
To address this issue, a bill has been proposed by Rep. Tackey Chan of Quincy, which would allow pole owners to pass fines onto other companies if they delay the process. This could incentivize companies to act more promptly and help reduce the number of double utility poles in the state. In the meantime, residents can report any concerns about double utility poles in their communities to the relevant authorities, as these poles are not only unsightly but also illegal and potentially unsafe.
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Electric companies are responsible for wires up to the point of connection
Electric companies are generally responsible for wires up to the point of connection to a consumer's home. This includes the wires that run from the utility pole to the home, also known as the "service drop". However, it's important to note that the specific responsibilities of electric companies and homeowners can vary depending on the region. Therefore, it is always advisable to contact your local electric company or refer to local regulations to determine the exact responsibilities in your area.
In most cases, the electric company owns the meter and is responsible for ensuring a proper connection from their power lines to the consumer's home. This includes the service entry cable, which runs from the utility pole to the electric meter on the side of the house. The electric meter measures the amount of electricity consumed by the household.
On the other hand, homeowners are typically responsible for other electrical components, such as the insulator, weatherhead, and service entrance cable. The insulator is the point where the electric lines connect to the house, and the service entrance cable extends from the insulator to the meter and then to the circuit breaker or fuse box. Homeowners may also be responsible for repairing or maintaining the electric meter itself, but they should always contact the utility company to turn off the power before attempting any repairs for safety reasons.
In some cases, electric companies may own additional components, such as the riser, meter base, and outside service panel. However, this can vary depending on the region and the specific agreements in place. Therefore, it is essential to understand the specific responsibilities outlined by the local electric company or the local regulations.
It is worth noting that some electric companies may require repairs or maintenance to be performed by a licensed professional or electrician. Homeowners should refer to their electric company's guidelines or local regulations to understand their responsibilities and any requirements for repairs or maintenance.
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Homeowners are responsible for repairs to the electric service wire from the street to the house
A double utility pole is when a replacement utility pole is built alongside the original pole to transfer electric, telephone, cable, or other wires from the old pole to the new one. Once all wires have been transferred, the old pole can be removed.
Now, when it comes to repairs to the electric service wire from the street to the house, it is indeed the homeowner's responsibility to repair the portion of the cable that runs from the electric meter to the house. Homeowners are also responsible for repairing the electric meter itself, but they must contact the utility company to turn off the power before attempting any repairs for safety reasons. This is known as the weatherhead or mast, and it is the part of the service entrance cable that is attached to the home.
The utility company is responsible for the cable up to where it attaches to your home. The point of connection, or splice, is usually outside the weatherhead, and this is where responsibility for repairs transfers from the utility company to the homeowner. Some utility companies are responsible for repairs up to the meter, but this is not always the case. It is important to contact your utility company to understand your specific situation.
In some cases, the utility company may require that repairs be done by a licensed professional or to specific standards, and an inspection may be required. Homeowners' insurance can help cover the cost of repairs, which can range from $500 to $1000 or more, depending on the extent of the damage and the deductible.
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Double poles are required when system upgrades cannot be accommodated by the existing pole
Utility poles may require replacement due to system upgrades that the existing pole cannot accommodate. This is where the term "double pole" comes into play. A double utility pole occurs when a replacement pole is constructed alongside the original pole to facilitate the transfer of electric, telephone, cable, or other wires from the old pole to the new one.
The process involves first transferring the wires of the primary utility company, followed by those of third-party companies. Third-party companies, such as telephone and cable wire providers, are responsible for relocating their equipment to the new pole. Only after all wires have been successfully transferred can the old, damaged pole be removed.
In some cases, temporary measures may be implemented to secure a pole that is in danger of failing. For example, wooden braces or other brackets can be installed to stabilize the pole until a permanent solution is put in place.
System upgrades are just one reason why double poles may be necessary. Other reasons include construction projects or municipal road work that require the installation of new poles, or safety concerns related to the stability of the existing pole.
Upgrading electrical systems is crucial to ensure they are up-to-code and to enhance the safety of homes and businesses. Outdated electrical systems may not be equipped to handle the increased electricity demands of modern homes, which can lead to issues like blown fuses or tripped breakers. Additionally, older systems may lack adequate surge protection, leaving them vulnerable to electrical surges caused by lightning strikes or transformer failures.
To summarize, double poles are required when system upgrades cannot be accommodated by the existing pole. This process of constructing a new pole and transferring wires ensures the safe and efficient continuation of utility services.
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Third-party companies are licensed to hang attachments like telephone and cable wires to utility poles
A double utility pole is a replacement utility pole that is built alongside the pole that needs to be replaced. This is done to transfer the electric, telephone, cable, or other wires from the old pole to the new one. Once the transfer of all wires is complete, the damaged pole can be removed.
Third-party attachments can include telephone and cable wires, as well as other communication lines. These are typically located below the power lines, which are owned by the utility company, such as Eversource. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been working to ensure that attachers can access utility poles quickly, safely, and affordably. This is particularly important due to the federal push to roll out nationwide broadband infrastructure.
To facilitate this process, the FCC has guidelines in place for utility pole attachments. For example, attachers are not required to get pole owner approval for overlashing, which is the process of tying additional cables to pre-existing attachments. However, tracking the overlashes is essential for maintenance, safety inspections, and pole-loading calculations. Third-party companies must also comply with safety and reliability standards set by the FCC or the utility company. Additionally, periodic inspections of attachments are required, and the cost of these inspections is covered by the yearly rent charged to attachers.
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Frequently asked questions
A double pole electric company is when a replacement pole is built next to an existing pole to transfer electric, telephone, or cable wires. Once all wires have been transferred, the old pole is removed.
Double utility poles are considered eyesores and unsafe, and are also illegal in some places, like Massachusetts.
If a double pole electric company is reported, the company will be required to move their wires to the new pole.
