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When the Electric Company Owes You a Favor?

Don't know if this might help my longer term plans for a dedicated line?

The electrical utility where I live has just stopped by the house to apologetically disclose that the utility pole supplying my house must be removed from an adjacent property.

It seems the pole only feeds my house, or may be an intermediate pole between the street and my house. So although it has been there for about 75 years or so, they are proposing that it moves to my property.

Perhaps concerned that I might protest, it seems they have asked if there is anything they can do for me.

So if the electrical utility were putting up a new pole and/or new supply to your house, what wouuld be on your wish list as an audiophile?

If no potential benefit for digital noise floors or massive monoblocks, perhaps I should at least try to avoid getting a utility pole in the garden? Or ask them to hide / bury all new wires?

Thanks for advice.
cwlondon
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I would tell them that I'd like them to run a new 200A service line, complete with all new panel, breakers and a whole house isolation transformer from Exact Power. It can't hurt to ask.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
This is really a money issue about a "taking." In other words, the utility company wants a permanent easement in order to install a pole, plus the right to ingress and egress the property for maintenance. This constitutes a transfer of a portion of the "bundle of sticks" that you own outright to the utility company.

I suspect that the state and/or locality you live in has rules whereby a public ultility can "condemn" property for public use. However ... the US Constitution requires that you be paid a fair value for the property so taken. State law may also speak to this.

You may be entitled to more than just a year's supply of copper top batteries. I strongly suggest you consult with a land use attorney in your locality to ensure you are being fairly compensated for this "taking."

Where should I send my bill.
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
You should probably contact FERC - the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. They are the governing body over every power supplying company (electrical, oil, gas, nuclear, etc.) in the U.S. I know this because I worked there for over 3 years.

Any time a power company wishes to change their rates, get an easement (what you are faced with), etc., they must file paperwork with and be granted permission by FERC. Go to https://ferconline.ferc.gov/ for more information and to see what your rights and responsibilities are...

-RW-
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
I assume there is a transformer on the top of the pole, and assume this transformer feeds only your house, if this is true, great. If this is not the case I would ask for a transformer for your house alone.
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