Commission Approves Pole Attachment Fee Increase
Jefferson County PUD commissioners approved a resolution Tuesday, February 6 adopting a slate of rate increases for utility pole
![](https://www.jeffpud.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Pole-Replacement_1-scaled.jpg)
attachments to aid with capital replacement costs.
Countywide there are approximately 11,900 private pole attachments across nearly 9,000 utility poles. Telecom businesses rent mounting area on PUD-owned utility poles within the communications space. The communication space is the approved distance below high-voltage electrical lines and equipment and the ground level.
In 2022, pole attachment revenue totaled approximately $286,000. The current rate per attachment is $22.45 per year. Effective February 1, 2024, the rate was increased to $28.00, and effective January 1, 2025, the rate increases to $32.00 per connection.
The $32.00 per attachment fee mirrors rates calculated by other utilities statewide based on state law, according to data provided by the FCS Group, a rate and fee consultant used by the PUD to establish the fee schedule.
A utility pole’s service life averages from 30-40 years. Pole connections can introduce weather, animals, and insects, potentially shortening the pole lifespan.