Press Release

PUC Launches Inaugural Pole Attachment Working Group, Continues Moving Forward with PUC Jurisdiction Over Pole Attachments in PA

Published on 4/16/2020

Filed under: Telecommunications

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) continues moving forward with its regulation of utility pole attachments in the Commonwealth with approval today of additional appointments to the PUC’s Pole Attachment Working Group.

The PUC voted 5-0 to appoint additional members to its Pole Attachment Working Group based on further expressions of interest following publication of Notice of the initial Working Group in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, and charged the Working Group with the following:

• Monitoring state and federal pole attachment issues and advising the PUC on those developments;
• Evaluating the complaint and dispute resolution process;
• Offering input on changes in formal regulations;
• Making recommendations on whether or not the PUC should adopt subsequent FCC rule changes in Pennsylvania; and
• Discussing any new pole attachment issues and ideas.

In August 2019, the Commission adopted final regulations to assert PUC jurisdiction over pole attachment matters in Pennsylvania from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) where that authority had previously resided.  The PUC’s regulation of these matters commenced on March 18, 2020 following notice to the FCC.

Pole Attachment Working Group

The Pole Attachment Working Group includes technical and legal staff from the PUC; pole owners; pole attachers; the public advocates; representatives from wireline and wireless telecommunications and broadband providers; other utilities; and, other interested stakeholders.  The Working Group approved today includes representatives from the following entities:

• PUC - to include staff from each of the Bureau of Consumer Services; Law Bureau; Office of Special Assistants; Bureau of Technical Utility Services; Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement; and, the Office of Administrative Law Judge – Mediation Office.

• State Government - to include a representative from each of the Office of Consumer Advocate; the Office of Small Business Advocate; and, the Governor’s Office of Broadband Initiatives.

• Industry - to include a representative from the Pennsylvania Telephone Association; the Broadband Cable Association of Pennsylvania; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Davey Resource Group Inc.; and CTIA - The Wireless Association; and Energy Association of Pennsylvania.
   
• Utilities - to include a representative of each of Verizon North, LLC; Verizon Pennsylvania, LLC; DQE Communications LLC; FirstLight Fiber, Inc.; Citizens’ Electric Co.; Duquesne Light Co.; PECO Energy Co.; PPL Electric Utilities Corp.; and Wellsboro Electric Co.

PUC Jurisdiction

The  PUC’s recent rulemaking enabled the PUC to assume jurisdiction over the rates, terms and conditions of pole attachments in Pennsylvania – adopting current and future FCC regulations related to pole attachments and establishes procedures for resolving disputes. 

The Pole Attachment Working Group is one mechanism the PUC is utilizing to continue considering advancements, concerns and issues related to attachments to utility poles and rights-of-way, and more quickly resolving disputes that could be barriers to the deployment of enhanced broadband and other services.

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility.  “Like” Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Facebook for easy access to information on utility issues.

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Docket Nos.: 
M-2020-3019408
L-2018-3002672

Contact:

• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov