I've been trying to get some sort of ballpark guess on when I might expect to see the local electric utility (Versant) set a pole and hook up my new service to the new shop.

I've emailed the Customer Service Rep 4 times. Each time she says she's forwarding it to the Service Scheduler. After a month I still have received NO response. Not even a "we got your email".

I get that they're busy, and I don't expect them to prioritize setting one pole for one residential service, but they could at LEAST acknowledge my communications if just to say "We don't know."

I dropped a note to the Maine PUC, but I suspect that doesn't really fall under their purview.

The PUC should be able to get their attention . I'm retired from a utility company . Things have changed in that industry . Customer service has suffered . Don't go around in circles wasting your time . Keep bumping the problem up the chain .

quote:

Originally posted by selogic:
The PUC should be able to get their attention . I'm retired from a utility company . Things have changed in that industry . Customer service has suffered . Don't go around in circles wasting your time . Keep bumping the problem up the chain .

What a co-inky-dink. I fired off a note to the PUC literally minutes before the original post.

I just now talked to the scheduler and he'll be down this afternoon and get the information he needs to schedule the work order.

He sensed your pain.

quote:

Originally posted by Sailor1911:
He sensed your pain.

I suspect somebody's pain was involved.

Not so sure it was mine.

The Public Service Commission has serious weight in most states. They determine the amount of rate increases if any. The CEOs of power companies send their best men to deal with them. It is facts and figures but a good relationship with the PSC is golden.

Once in a while Government regulation actually serves a beneficial purpose.

The utility commission should be able to light a fire under someone's ass.
Just make sure you check in with the commission, as providers like to lie to them stating they are working with you and trying to resolve the issue.

When this isn't happening and the commission finds out, you don't want to be on the other end of the line.

Scheduler Guy showed up this morning (on time!) and we came up with a plan.

I can use the nearer transformer without setting an extra pole if I change the anchor point on the service entrance to a mast that's about 3 feet above the peak of the roof.

They're concerned about sag over the run and the strength of the screw-eye anchor the electrician used. Be okay with a pole, but iffy for a straight run.

Called my electrician and he'll be down to install a mast.

Existing pole and the scheduler said he'd mark the service entrance as inspected, so it should go reasonably quickly.

Nice, like it when a plan comes together..

quote:

Originally posted by PHPaul:

quote:

Originally posted by selogic:
The PUC should be able to get their attention . I'm retired from a utility company . Things have changed in that industry . Customer service has suffered . Don't go around in circles wasting your time . Keep bumping the problem up the chain .

I just now talked to the scheduler and he'll be down this afternoon and get the information he needs to schedule the work order.

Wow ! I never saw a Scheduler that left his cubicle except to go to lunch .

He postponed until this morning, but showed up on time and we worked out a plan that won't involve setting a pole. That means it will be both cheaper and faster. Just need to get the electrician back and install a mast.