FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) reminds the public that posting signs on utility poles is dangerous both for the general public and for utility employees.
Posting signs on utility poles within the public right-of-way is prohibited in some localities, including Fort Wayne and South Bend.
Objects used to hang signs — such as tacks, staples and nails – can cause injuries to anyone who touches the pole. Utility workers need to access the poles to ensure reliability of electric service. Objects in the pole can obstruct climbing equipment, causing a worker to slip or fall. These same objects can tear the protective clothing that shields a worker from electricity. Even the tiniest pinhole in a glove is enough to cause a burn or other injury.
Additionally, after several signs are hung and then taken down, the integrity of the pole itself can become compromised.
Hanging signs on utility poles – whether they concern yard sales, upcoming events, jobs, services, candidates for election or any other topic – is dangerous. I&M thanks the public for refraining from posting signs on utility poles.
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Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, and its approximately 2,100 employees serve more than 599,000 customers. More than two-thirds of its energy delivered in 2019 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 15 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 2,620 MW of coal-fueled generation in Indiana.
American Electric Power, based in Columbus, Ohio, is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions to our customers. AEP’s more than 17,000 employees operate and maintain the nation’s largest electricity transmission system and more than 219,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.4 million regulated customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation’s largest electricity producers with approximately 32,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including 4,300 megawatts of renewable energy. AEP’s family of companies includes utilities AEP Ohio, AEP Texas, Appalachian Power (in Virginia and West Virginia), AEP Appalachian Power (in Tennessee), Indiana Michigan Power, Kentucky Power, Public Service Company of Oklahoma, and Southwestern Electric Power Company (in Arkansas, Louisiana and east Texas). AEP also owns AEP Energy, AEP Energy Partners, AEP OnSite Partners and AEP Renewables, which provide innovative competitive energy solutions nationwide.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tracy Warner
Indiana Michigan Power Communications
260-479-9484
tkwarner@aep.com