A new law in Connecticut aims to reduce the number of double utility poles in the state, which can be unsightly and pose safety concerns. The law shortens the deadline for companies to transfer wires and equipment from a damaged pole to a new one, from 45 days to 20 days. If companies fail to meet the deadline, they will face a fine of $100 per day.

Background

The issue of double utility poles was highlighted by NBC Connecticut Investigates, which found over 20,000 double poles across the state. In some cases, these poles have been left untouched for months, creating sightline concerns for drivers and posing a risk to public safety.

State lawmakers have now passed legislation to address the issue, with Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff stating that the new law will help to reduce the number of double poles and improve safety in Connecticut neighborhoods.

Implementation

Under the new law, companies will have 20 days to transfer their equipment from a damaged pole to a new one. If they fail to do so, workers represented by the Communications Workers of America can complete the transfer and bill the companies back. The law also imposes a fine of $100 per day on companies that fail to meet the deadline.

The Communications Workers of America Local 1298 represents about 2,000 people working for Verizon in Connecticut, and the union has welcomed the new law. According to the union, power companies and Verizon each own about half of Connecticut’s roughly 900,000 utility poles, and the delays in transferring equipment often involve other companies attached to the pole in between.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.