Utility Companies Have Wires Crossed

Concerned citizen Vernelle Hall called PEDS to tell us about her frustrating experience with the utility companies.  Here’s her story.

Ms. Hall found a utility wire hanging down in her northwest Atlanta neighborhood.  So Ms. Hall contacted Georgia Power about the issue, but when Georgia Power’s guys came out they claimed they couldn’t do anything because the dangling wire is a cable line belonging to Comcast Cable.

So Ms. Hall called out Comcast for a visit. But the Comcast repairmen said they couldn’t touch the wire because it’s on Georgia Power’s pole.  It’s a classic case of passing the buck.

PEDS has sent letters to local government agencies reminding them that, ultimately, local governments are responsible for making utility companies clean up their tangled mess. Each jurisdictions has a franchise agreement with utility companies that should include provisions for penalties and fines. No more pointing fingers. It’s time our local governments hold utilities accountable for their loose wires.

If you notice a wire or cable in the pedestrian path, report it online.