MOUNT VERNON — AT&T withdrew its tariff application yesterday, citing confusion and concern about the purpose and effect.
Richard T. Howell, lead regulatory relations for the utility, filed the withdrawal letter with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on Wednesday.
The tariff revision sought to include language holding government entities responsible for some costs associated with relocating lines.
According to Howell, the intent was to have government entities pay the cost of moving lines underground when it was done solely for beautification purposes.
An AT&T informational handout states, “The AT&T request is not directed at municipal projects such as road widening, adding turn lanes, improving intersections, or similar governmental purposes that fulfill public safety and welfare objectives. The AT&T request is directed at projects grounded in aesthetic or beautification purposes.”
However, many trade associations and municipalities interpreted it to mean government entities would be held liable for costs for relocating lines in any situation.
Six trade associations, including the Ohio Municipal League, County Commissioners Association of Ohio , Ohio Township Association, Ohio Mayor’s Alliance, and the County Engineers Association of Ohio, filed a motion to intervene on Jan. 15.
The City of Mount Vernon joined 104 other cities in supporting the Ohio Municipal League’s motion along with 20 villages, four townships, and two counties.
AT&T filed the change request on Dec. 18, 2024. The company withdrew its motion after the government entities filed to intervene.
The PUCO has already granted approved for other electric and telecom utilities to contain costs associated with elective municipal undergrounding projects. Among those utilities are Ohio Power (AEP), Columbus Southern Power (AEP), and Duke Energy Ohio.
In the withdrawal letter, Howell wrote, “AT&T Ohio will work collaboratively with interested parties, including the commission staff, to address the issue with the goal of reaching a mutually satisfactory resolution of the issue.”
