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

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.