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Public utilities

Vermont Public Utility Commission Approves Special Contract for Veterans Administration's Pole Attachments

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order approving a special contract between Green Mountain Power Corporation (GMP) and the Veterans Administration (VA) for pole attachments. The contract, which is necessary for the VA to establish direct communications with the Hartford Fire Station, was approved due to exceptional circumstances. The Commission waived the 60-calendar-day requirement for filing the special contract, citing the urgent need to restore fire safety at the VA's facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Commission approved the special contract between GMP and the VA for pole attachments, which will enable the VA to establish direct communications with the Hartford Fire Station.
  • The contract is necessary due to exceptional circumstances, as the VA's current wireless fire alarm signal has been rendered inoperable, and a temporary emergency procedure is in place.
  • The Commission waived the 60-calendar-day requirement for filing the special contract, citing the urgent need to restore fire safety at the VA's facilities.
  • The Special Contract is required because the VA is not eligible to receive service under GMP's pole attachment tariff, but the contract is necessary to ensure fire safety.
  • The contract uses the same general terms for pole attachments as GMP's tariff, with the customer agreeing to the rates and terms of an already existing and approved tariff.
  • The VA will attach equipment to a limited number of poles at 7 locations along VA Cutoff Road in Hartford, Vermont.

Statistics:

  • 7 poles will be used for the pole attachments along VA Cutoff Road in Hartford, Vermont.
  • The Contract is necessary due to exceptional circumstances, as the VA's current wireless fire alarm signal has been rendered inoperable, and a temporary emergency procedure is in place.
  • The Commission waived the 60-calendar-day requirement for filing the special contract, which is a requirement for requesting approval of a special contract under 30 V.S.A. SS 229.
  • GMP has filed 1 letter to the Commission on October 31, 2022, and another letter on November 8, 2022, in relation to the Special Contract.

Sources:

  • Case No. 22-4704-SC, dated November 16, 2022.
  • 30 V.S.A. Section 229, which governs public service companies and their rates, fares, charges, and prices for services rendered.

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