Conn. lawmakers press utility regulators on long-standing double pole problem

An issue first highlighted by NBC Connecticut Investigates drew attention at the state capitol on Thursday. Lawmakers questioned utility regulators about the thousands of “double utility poles” still standing across the state.

Double poles occur when a damaged utility pole is replaced, but the old pole remains in place. This can hold for years as companies wait for one another to transfer their wires.

The result is a backlog of leaning, splintered poles that sit beside new ones, raising concerns about safety and neighborhood blight.

NBC Connecticut’s chief investigator, Len Bestoff, reported that while a state program has helped remove about 7,000 poles, as many as 21,000 may still remain.

During the confirmation hearings for the new Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) commissioners, several legislators pressed nominees on whether more could be done.

Sen. Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) asked the candidates directly whether PURA could take additional steps to expedite the removals.

Thomas Wiehl, a PURA commissioner candidate and current interim chair, said the system for managing pole transfers has improved, but also acknowledged the backlog is significant.

“Despite the recognition that we’ve got too many double poles, we’ve got a pretty good system worked out,” Wiehl said.

Wiehl also suggested that broadband and cable carriers (some of the last companies to move their equipment) may need to shoulder more of the cost. The companies rent space on utility poles, and PURA sets those rates.

“This double pole issue is imposing costs,” Wiehl explained. “Those costs should be recognized when we consider that aspect of rate-making.”

Lawmakers signaled that the issue isn’t going away. Duff said legislation addressing double poles could surface during this year’s session.

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