Bill > S1119

Introduced Session

This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study and prepare and submit, within six months of the effective date of the bill, to the Governor and to the Legislature, a written report making findings and recommendations concerning the feasibility of establishing requirements concerning the installation of new or replacement electric distribution utility poles. The BPU would consider: 1) the feasibility of requiring the installation of concrete, steel, or fiberglass-reinforced composite electric distribution poles; 2) the feasibility of requiring the installation of higher classes of wood electric distribution utility poles than are currently in use; 3) the feasibility of installing higher class or grades of transmission towers than are currently in use; 4) the feasibility of establishing increased height requirements for electric distribution utility poles which support transformers and related distribution infrastructure; and 5) the implementation of standards related to foundation design, embedment depth, and advanced engineering methods for utility pole installation. In conducting the study, the board is directed to: 1) consult with relevant persons and public and private entities in other states that have utilized the types of utility poles, transmission towers, or other standards described in the bill; 2) consider the requirements of the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, the American National Standards Institute, and other applicable national and international standards; and 3) consider the cost to ratepayers, municipalities, electric public utilities, and the State associated with the implementation of the requirements described in the bill.

AI Summary

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John McKeon (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document