Revealing the Secret Identity: Discovering the Person Behind the Local Utility Pole
When working near utility poles or planning a home improvement project, it's essential to know who owns the pole. These structures are critical for delivering electricity, telephone service, cable television, and internet access. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to identify the owner of a utility pole.
Safety First
Always maintain a safe distance from utility poles and assume all wires are energized and dangerous. Attachments can also pose a safety risk to utility workers who need to climb the poles for maintenance or repairs. Never attach anything to a utility pole without explicit permission from the pole's owner.
Visual Inspection
Utility poles are often marked with identifying information, such as company logos or symbols, pole numbers, or identification codes. Different types of equipment attached to the pole can offer clues about the owner, such as power lines, telephone lines, cable lines, and transformers.
Contacting Utility Companies
Contacting the utility companies directly is the most reliable way to determine the utility pole owner. Start by contacting the major utility providers in your area, including the electric company, telephone company, and cable provider.
Jointly Owned Poles
In some cases, utility poles may be jointly owned by multiple companies, with one company acting as the controlling owner for maintenance and management. Jointly owned poles require information about all equipment attached to the pole to help identify the controlling owner.
When Information is Not Immediate
If you don't receive a response or are unable to determine the owner after contacting multiple companies, consider contacting your local government or state's public utility commission. In some cases, you may need to contact your local government for assistance in determining pole ownership.
Online Resources
Online resources and mapping tools can help streamline the process of identifying the utility pole owner. Utilize online property records, GIS maps, utility company websites, and crowdsourced mapping projects to aid in your search.
Why Identify the Owner?
Identifying the owner of a utility pole is necessary when reporting a hazard, requesting permission for attachments, planning a home improvement project, or addressing billing discrepancies.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when working near utility poles. By following these steps, you can ensure a safe and informed approach to identifying the owner of a utility pole.
