Please read and consider the safety and continued viability of transmission of power by Bountiful City.
The NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) sets requirements for utility pole strength (NESC Sections 25 and 26). The safe transmission of electricity by the utility is predicated upon these pole strength requirements. The code requires that utility poles less than 60 feet in length be replaced when 1/3 of the strength of the pole is degraded or less than 2/3 of the original strength is found in the pole (NESC Rule 250B, Table 261-1A).
Rule 214A of the NESC also states that “Lines and equipment shall be inspected at such intervals experience has shown to be necessary.” The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) states that utility poles should be replaced on an 8-year pole cycle to meet what experience has been shown to be necessary (IAEI Magazine, May/June 2003). However, utilities in the United States typically replace 3% of their poles every year or basically most utilities are on a 33-year pole cycle. This according to the IAEI has lead to catastrophic failure at times of portions of the nation’s power grid during seasonal weather events.
If industry averages were applied as just mentioned, there should be no pole found in the Bountiful City Power system older than 1973. If the best practice minimums are applied, there should be no pole older than 1998. Unfortunately, neither is the case in Bountiful City. We do not meet the minimums of industry averages or the regulations as set forth by the NESC.
This leads to the question, why is Bountiful Power transferring funds to Bountiful City when it is not meeting its NESC requirements? Would not the Bountiful City Council be remiss or even negligent if it allowed this practice to continue? We hope that Bounitful City makes sure a program is in place to protect Bountiful City Power ratepayers by replacing its unsafe and out-of-code utility poles. It is time to stop robbing from the Bountiful City Power system.