By Leader Staff
Jefferson County PUD commissioners approved a resolution Feb. 6 adopting a slate of rate increases for utility pole attachments, to aid with capital replacement costs. Countywide …
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By Leader Staff
Jefferson County PUD commissioners approved a resolution Feb. 6 adopting a slate of rate increases for utility pole attachments, to aid with capital replacement costs.
Countywide there are approximately 11,900 private pole attachments across nearly 9,000 utility poles. Telecom businesses rent mounting areas on PUD-owned utility poles within the communications space, which is the approved distance below high-voltage electrical lines and equipment, and the ground level.
In 2022, pole attachment revenue totaled approximately $286,000. The current rate per attachment is $22.45 per year. Effective Feb. 1, 2024, the rate was increased to $28, and effective Jan. 1, 2025, the rate increases to $32 per connection.
The $32 per-attachment fee mirrors rates calculated by other utilities statewide based on state law, according to data provided by the FCS Group, a rate and fee consultant used by the PUD to establish the fee schedule.
A utility pole’s service life averages from 30 to 40 years. Pole connections can introduce weather, animals, and insects, potentially shortening the pole lifespan.
