All new and replacement above and underground utility distribution equipment shall be placed or relocated in the existing road right-of-way. When utilities are being replaced, the utility owner should remove the replaced sections upon installation of new utilities, including all poles and lines. We urge all utility companies to communicate with landowners before beginning the renovation of lines, individual poles, etc. As farm equipment increases in size, the placement of utility services becomes a concern. Adding to the potential problem, other utility lines, such as telephones and cable television, are installed below the existing electric lines. Access to, or operation in, a field or orchard with farm equipment creates the potential for contact with the lines.
We support:
The requirement of a utility to follow the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) regulations to protect both the farmer and the utility from accidents which could cause injury to an individual or interruption of service to a community.
Legislation or regulation to create a minimum height requirement of 17 ½ feet for all overhead lines. All new underground utilities shall be installed and maintained to NESC standards. If NESC standards are not met, utility companies are responsible for liability, damages, and repairs.
Governmental agencies enforcing the utility height and depth standards.
All parties (e.g. landowners, road commission, drain commission) communicating prior to the installation of utilities. This includes a minimum 30-day notice to landowners for non-emergency projects that would affect private utility and drainage on private property or within the right of way.
The principles of Public Acts 173 and 174 of 2013, which provide clarity on the MISS DIG process for farmers by focusing efforts on risk management and providing greater incentives for compliance. We encourage farmers to enroll their property in the MISS DIG system.
Farmers considering possible cost-sharing of utility pole re-location for safety and productivity of field crops.
Utility companies putting additional emphasis on upgrading and placement of poles in the rights-of-way to reduce long-term maintenance costs and crop damage.
Utility companies completing timely repair, maintenance, and expansion to prevent further damage to personal and public property.
All MISS DIG markings being removed or made of a non-metallic biodegradable material and encourage Michigan Farm Bureau to work with all appropriate entities to promote this change.
The MPSC’s cost review for line extensions, transformer upgrades and moving charges, and comparing these costs with other utility charges for the same work.
We understand the value of utilities and broadband communication and support reasonable efforts to minimize damage to infrastructure. New utility equipment should not impede any existing drainage structure. We believe a utility company should promptly settle for damage to crops, soil compaction, existing sub surface drainage (tile), irrigation, and other similar agricultural infrastructure.