BILL NUMBER: S9655 Revised 9/10/2024
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring utility
companies to report on utility poles and remove unused utility poles in
the public right-of-way
 
PURPOSE:
To require utility companies to report on utility poles and remove
unused utility poles in the public right-of-way
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends the public service law by adding new section 119-e
which requires each regulated utility company to submit a utility pole
location report that includes each utility pole owned by such utility
that exists within a public right-of-way. The regulated utility company
shall develop a plan for the removal of any utility pole that is no
longer in use by any utility. The commissioner shall be authorized to
impose a fine for the failure of a utility to remove an owned utility
pole no longer in use by such utility or any other utility of up to ten
thousand dollars per pole per year.
Section 2: Sets the effective date. JUSTIFICATION: Aging or damaged
telephone poles pose a threat to the public and utility workers. When
old poles are replaced with new ones and wiring is transferred to the
new pole, the old pole should be removed to protect the public. When the
old telephone pole is not removed, it creates an unsafe and unsightly
"double" pole condition.
Currently, there are thousands of aging "double" telephone poles litter-
ing the state. Many double telephone poles have been in place for years
despite complaints by municipalities, residents, and utility company
employees.
These poles are left unserviced and ignored for years, decaying on the
side of the road. They are at risk of falling on homes, cars, and even
pedestrians.
These abandoned poles make it difficult for utility operators to access
and maintain equipment, which can increase the chances of power outages,
loss of telephone service, and other issues. When one of these decaying
poles topples during a weather-related event, it can take out power and
telecommunications to homes and businesses, and block roads. This is not
only inconvenient but puts property and lives at risk. Beyond the very
real safety hazards, these zombie poles hurt residents' property values.
This bill will solve these problems by requiring utility companies to
conduct and publish yearly reports detailing the number of unused poles
that remain standing. Pole owners will be required to remove the unused
poles, subject to fines by the PSC if they do not comply.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.