LANSING – State Representative Jeff Mayes (D-Bay City) has passed a plan that will allow utility subcontractors to use county roads to conduct maintenance and repairs to power lines during the frost law season, when weight restrictions go into effect on Michigan roads. The move will help speed up repairs following a storm or emergency and aid in prevention efforts that will help avert blackouts or more costly repairs. The plan now awaits Senate action.
"We all know how tough Michigan's changing weather can be," said Mayes, Chair of the House Energy and Technology Committee. "It's important that we give the men and women who help keep our lights on and our houses warm the tools they need to do their important work. With this plan, we'll protect our residents and the basic services that we all rely on."
Under the proposed plan, utility subcontractors will be permitted to conduct utility maintenance and repairs during the frost law season. Utility companies often contract out a large portion of non-emergency work. Much of the prepatory work performed by subcontractors – such as clearing brush, trimming potentially dangerous branches or small repairs – is helpful to avoiding blackouts and repairs following an emergency.
Michigan law places a number of restrictions on vehicles during the frost law season. County road commissions can still deny access to a road in the event that the road is in poor condition. Currently, only utility personnel, not subcontractors, are allowed to perform maintenance and repairs while on county roads during the frost law season.
"Following a blackout, a storm or emergency, utility companies work hard to get our lights and power back on," Mayes said. "But during part of the year, they're sometimes forced to go it alone due to our seasonal laws. These common-sense reforms will help speed up repairs during the freeze-thaw season and prevent some repairs from needing to be made."