| Rule Number: |
19P069 |
| Title: |
Rule 3.700 Pole Attachments. |
|
Type:
|
Standard |
|
Status:
|
Adopted |
| Agency: |
Vermont Public Utility Commission
|
| Legal Authority: |
Act No 79 of 2019 §§ 19 and 20; and 30 V.S.A. §§ 203, and 209. |
| Summary:
| The amended rule adds "one-touch make-ready" ("OTMR") and self-help options to Rule 3.700. OTMR and self-help allow attaching entities to do simple utility pole preparation work using qualified contractors and to take over the pole-preparation process for some complex pole preparation work from the pole-owning utility if certain deadlines are not met. Act 70 of 2019 requires the Commission to incorporate OTMR and self-help provisions into Rule 3.700. the provisions are similar to recent revisions to the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") rule on pole attachments, which applies in states that have elected not to regulate pole attachments. |
| Persons Affected:
| The Department of Public Service; Pole-owning utilities; Entities with existing facilities attached to utility poles; Entities seeking to attach facilities to utility poles; Vermont electric, telecommunications, and cable customers; |
| Economic Impact:
| Enabling attaching entities to be responsible for attaching their own facilities to utility poles will minimize delays and costs associated with deploying wireless and broadband in the State of Vermont. Attaching entities are already responsible for make-ready costs; the rule amendments allow them to do the work as well using qualified contractors. |
| Posting date: |
Sep 18,2019 |
