Bill > HB699

This bill addresses the issue of double utility poles in Pennsylvania by directing the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to develop new regulations to manage and expedite the removal of these poles. Double utility poles occur when a new utility pole is installed but the old pole remains in place, often with various infrastructure attachments still present. The bill requires the PUC to create rules that establish clear guidelines for how long double utility poles can remain, mandate that infrastructure owners register and maintain current contact information, create procedures for notifying owners to migrate their infrastructure to new poles, set reasonable timeframes for infrastructure relocation, and develop mechanisms for compensation and penalties. The regulations must include provisions for public utility pole owners to require surety bonds from infrastructure owners, impose civil penalties for non-compliance, and ensure the expeditious removal of old poles. Importantly, any costs incurred in this process cannot be passed on to ratepayers. The bill aims to improve public safety, enhance the efficiency of public rights-of-way, reduce aesthetic issues, and create a more streamlined process for utility pole management, with the rulemaking process to be completed within 18 months of the bill's effective date.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=699