West Virginia Pole Access Cost Sharing Rule

awarded

The West Virginia Public Service Commission issued an order that pole companies, primarily electric utilities, cannot charge a third party the full cost when one of their poles must be replaced. This is part of efforts to codify new pole attachment rules and streamline broadband expansion in West Virginia. The ruling mandates non-discriminatory access to utility poles for broadband expansion, with cost-sharing responsibilities among all beneficiaries of the new pole.