Items on Utility Poles Are a Safety Hazard
Although seemingly innocent enough, putting signs or other items on utility poles creates serious safety hazards. Staples, nails, and tacks used to hang signs—as well as the signs themselves—pose dangers to Access Energy Cooperative line workers who must climb poles when either restoring power following storms or while performing routine maintenance to ensure system reliability.
Posters or other objects (birdhouses, balloons, flags, basketball nets, and even tree stands) can create dangerous obstacles. The nails, tacks and screws left behind can snag utility workers’ boots or puncture safety clothing, making lineworkers vulnerable to slipping or even electrocution.
In addition to being hazardous, tampering with utility poles can be costly. Posting signs or attaching other objects to utility poles is in violation of Access Energy Cooperative’s electric tariff, section 19. Individuals are subject to disconnection and possible legal action can be taken.
Access Energy Cooperative encourages members to contact local zoning officers to inquire about where signage can be posted legally.