Bill > LD873

This bill modifies existing Maine state law regarding municipal authority over utility pole permits by lowering the population threshold for municipalities to revoke pole locations from 40,000 to 30,000 inhabitants. Under the proposed change, municipal officers in towns with more than 30,000 residents would retain the ability to revoke pole locations for electricity or telephone transmission in public streets or ways (excluding state and state-aid highways within urban compact areas) after providing notice and holding a hearing. If a pole location is revoked, the pole owner must remove the poles within a reasonable time, and the municipal officers must ensure that alternative suitable locations or joint pole usage rights are provided to the utility company. This adjustment expands the number of municipalities with the authority to make such determinations about pole placements, potentially giving more local governments greater control over utility infrastructure within their boundaries.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=873&snum=132