Maine PUC Launches Pole-Attachment Rulemaking

The Maine Public Utilities Commission proposed adopting the FCC cable rate formula for pole attachments, while allowing pole owners and attachers to “remain free to negotiate” their own rate agreements. The PUC opened a rulemaking Friday in docket 2019-00028 to modify Chapter 880 pole attachment rules. The Maine agency also proposed retaining a municipal exemption for fees related to make-ready work, but removing the exemption from costs related to replacing poles for a municipal attachment. Comments are due April 19 and the commission plans a workshop May 7 at 11 a.m. at its headquarters. Follow-up comments are due May 24, then the PUC will have a hearing June 19 at 1:30 p.m., and final written comments on the proposed rule are due July 12. The commission earlier this month found that replacement of utility poles is make-ready under Section 7(A) of Chapter 880 (see 1903140054).