NBU NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 2, 2005

Contact: Gretchen Reuwer, NBU Communications Manager, (830) 629-8486

Signs on utility poles and equipment prohibited by law

NEW BRAUNFELS—Driving around New Braunfels, you literally see hundreds of signs posted on utility poles that advertise everything from garage sales to computer services. While it may seem harmless, in reality these postings are costly, dangerous and illegal.

Attaching a sign to a utility pole requires the use of sharp objects, such as nails, tacks or staples. Typically, these objects are not removed from the pole after the signs are taken down. This poses a safety threat to any NBU personnel who may need to climb a pole for routine maintenance or for emergency reasons.

“Avoiding an injury to an employee is of paramount importance to NBU,” explains NBU Executive Director of Electric Services Al Kaufmann. “During power outages and system maintenance, signs and nails get in the way of crews and have to be removed, extending the time that a job would normally take. Hidden nails, staples or tacks can cause injuries to workers from cuts and falls from losing their footing are the primary concern. For this reason, we are requesting cooperation from the public to prevent the attachment of signs to NBU poles and equipment.”

Over time, these sharp objects can actually cause damage to the poles by allowing moisture to seep and rot the wood. That means the poles have to be replaced before their time, with the cost reflected in electric rates. By the same token, placing signs and other items on any NBU facility or equipment, including pad mount transformers, fences, buildings, etc., is also prohibited by city ordinance. A danger exists from unauthorized signs and items potentially covering up safety or contact information that is vital in both routine and emergency situations.

In the coming months violators will be contacted, advised of the ordinance restrictions, and be held responsible for the immediate removal of the sign along with all existing nails, staples, tacks, or tape attached to the pole or equipment. Refusal to cooperate or two repeat offenses by violators will result in law enforcement officials being notified and a report made for prosecution.

“We plan to educate the public extensively regarding this issue and enlist their assistance in our effort to protect our employees and our equipment,” Kaufmann says. “Our goal is to eliminate the practice of posting unauthorized signs and avoid the need for citations by law enforcement personnel.”

If you have questions regarding the placement of signs on NBU poles or equipment, please contact NBU Dispatch at 608-8800.