Bill > S05703

This bill requires utility companies to submit annual reports to various government officials detailing the location and status of utility poles within public rights-of-way. Specifically, these reports must identify which utility poles are currently in use and which are no longer being utilized by any utility company. Each utility company must also develop a removal plan for unused poles, with a mandatory removal timeline of one year from the date the pole is identified as inactive. The bill empowers the commission to impose fines of up to $10,000 per pole per year for utility companies that fail to remove unused poles, though companies can appeal these fines. The annual reports must be submitted by December 1st each year to the commission, the governor, the senate and assembly leadership, and the chairs of relevant energy and government operations committees. The goal of this legislation appears to be streamlining utility infrastructure, reducing visual clutter in public spaces, and ensuring more efficient management of utility pole assets.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5703