As residents travel along Route 6N in Mahopac, many have noticed the rows of old and new utility poles standing side by side. NYSEG refers to these as "double wood" situations. Seeing them raises an important question: Why aren't utility companies doing a better job coordinating their work?
Many double wood situations occur after storms, vehicle accidents or infrastructure upgrades because each utility is responsible for moving only its own equipment. Electric, cable and telephone companies generally cannot relocate one another's facilities. The last update I received indicated that there were 417 broken utility poles in our town still awaiting removal.
With a contractor currently replacing poles along Route 6N, it seems like the perfect opportunity for all utilities to coordinate their work. The contractor already has crews on site, boom trucks in operation, traffic lanes closed and flaggers directing motorists. Instead of each utility returning weeks or months later with additional trucks, crews, lane closures and costs, why not complete the transfers as part of a single coordinated project?
Such an approach could reduce labor costs, fuel consumption, equipment usage, traffic disruptions and inconvenience to the public. Most importantly, it could save money for utility customers who ultimately pay the bills.
Perhaps there are regulatory or contractual obstacles that prevent this level of coordination. If so, those obstacles deserve a closer look. At a time when electric, cable and telephone costs continue to rise, residents have every right to ask whether efficiency and customer interests are receiving the attention they deserve.
If there is a better way to do this, now would seem to be the time to pursue it.
Michael Cazzari is the Carmel Town Supervisor.
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