20180402order_no_34017.pdf

Office of the Secretary
Service Date
April 2,2018
BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
IN THE MATTER OF THE INVESTIGATION )CASE NO.ATL-E-18-01
OF ATLANTA POWER COMPANY )SERVICE AND CUSTOMER RELATIONS )ORDER NO.34017
On March 14,2018,two non-resident customers of Atlanta Power Company alerted
the Staff of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission that another customer's service line had fallen
to the ground.The customers expressed concern that the line could endanger persons who come
into contact with it.Staff investigated the situation and learned from local Atlanta residents that
the line is in fact downed,but currentlyburied by snow in an inaccessible area off an unplowed
road.The local residents further reported that the line is not grounding out,and not believed by
them to pose an imminent danger.Nonetheless,Staff determinedthat the downed line clearly does
not comply with National Electric Safety Code.
Based on these facts,the Commission finds the downedline does not promote the safety
and health of customers and the public.Accordingly,the Commission,on its own motion,issues
this emergency order directing the Company to immediately repair the downed line and make it
safe.We further direct Staff to inspect the line and other facilities for other possible safety issues,
and to report to us within 60 days on any other health and safety issues related to Company.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
The Commission has authority over Atlanta Power Company,an electric utility,under
Idaho Code §§61-125 and -129.As an electric utility,Atlanta Power must "furnish,provide and
maintain such service,instrumentalities,equipment and facilities as shall promote the safety,
health,comfort and convenience of its patrons,employees and the public,and as shall be in all
respects adequate,efficient,just and reasonable."See Idaho Code §61-302.When an electric
utility does not comply with this statutory mandate,the Commission is broadly empowered to
"supervise and regulate [the]public utility ...and to do all things necessary to carry out the spirit
and intent of the"Idaho Public Utilities Law.See Idaho Code §61-501.Further,Idaho Code §61-
515 specifies that the Commission may require the utility to "maintain and operate its line,plant,
system,equipment,apparatus,and premises ...to promote and safeguard the health and safety of
its employees,customers and the public,"and order "the installation,use,maintenance and
ORDER NO.34017 1
operation of appropriate safety or other devices or appliances ...and ...require the performance
of any other act which the health and safety of [the utility's]employees,customers,or the public
may demand."
Based on the record before us,we find that sufficient evidence exists to require the
Company to immediately repair the downed line.The Company is cautioned that failure to repair
the line may result in further action includingthe imposition of civil penalties and the initiation of
court proceedings.See Idaho Code §§61-701,et seq.Finally,we direct Staff to address any safety
issues related to company facilities in its ongoing investigation.Staff shall report back to the
Commission its findings on any health and safety issues within sixty days.
ORDER
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Atlanta Power Company shall immediately repair the
downed service line.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that within sixty days,Staff shall investigate and report
on health and safety issues at the Company.
DONE by Order of the Idaho Public Utilities Commission at Boise,Idaho this
day of April 2018.
PAUL KJELLANDER,PRESIDENT
KRIÈTINE RA R,COMMISSIONER
ERIC ANDERSON,COMMISSIONER
ATTEST:
'Õiane M.Hanian
Commission Secretary
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