Utility pole attachments

Oftentimes, utilities share space for cables and wires on existing utility poles because it may be required by law or regulations, and this avoids the need, where possible, to construct duplicate infrastructure.

Like other utilities, LG&E and KU are among several service providers that own utility poles and conduit systems located in public-owned rights of way and in easements throughout Kentucky.

In order to share space, utilities and service providers must enter into third-party attachment agreements that are subject to meeting certain safety and reliability requirements.

Before attaching to company-owned utility poles, third-party attachments must meet the National Electrical Safety Code requirements and the company’s construction standards that are necessary to ensure the safety and reliability of our system.

LG&E and KU first work with a third-party service provider to determine if there is room on a utility pole to allow for the installation of additional cables.

Each utility pole must be reviewed as part of this process. During the review, the pole is checked to make sure there is space available for additional cables, that it meets proper safety clearances and that the pole could sustain additional loading caused by new cables. As part of this assessment, LG&E and KU must ensure the company can continue to provide safe, reliable service to our electric customers.

image of a utility pole with description of parts

This graphic helps illustrate how utilities and other service providers may share space on a utility pole.

Transferring equipment on utility poles

Oftentimes, service providers share space for cables and wires on existing utility poles because it may be required by law or regulations, and this avoids the need, where possible, to construct duplicate infrastructure.

When utilities like LG&E and KU install new or additional equipment, it may also require replacing the existing utility pole. This ensures the new changes continue to meet certain safety and service reliability requirements. 

If a utility pole must be replaced, each service provider with equipment on the pole is contacted to transfer their equipment to the new pole. 

The last service provider to transfer their equipment will then notify LG&E and KU that the pole is ready to be removed.

How to report an abandoned utility pole

Sometimes an old utility pole may get left behind accidentally after each service provider moved its equipment to the new one. If a utility pole is no longer in use, you can contact us to report an abandoned utility pole left in your area.