REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Public Hearing: Small Cell Attachment Rate on City Owned Wooden Electric Utility Poles
Report
BACKGROUND
In order to comply with the requirements of Public Utilities Code Section 9510-9520 (Assembly Bill (AB) 1027), on April 24, 2018 the Council set June 12, 2018 as a public hearing to consider the adoption of a small cell attachment rate to City owned wooden electric utility poles. Further, AB 1027 requires that Council consider the basis for this rate.
DISCUSSION
The attached cost study (Attachment 1) documents the process and assumptions used to derive the pole attachment rate for the small cell attachment that is proposed to be effective in 2018. The study considered capital costs less depreciation for wooden electric utility poles, the cost of inspecting, operating and maintaining wooden electric utility poles, as well as required clearances. The riser attachment space for small cell attachments is aligned with the riser attachment space for cable attachments. However, compared to cable attachments, small cell equipment attachments require a four foot clearance versus one foot for cable equipment attachments, resulting in a proposed small cell attachment rate of $81.12 per attachment per year. The small cell attachment rate will be subject to the same 2.5% annual escalator adopted for cable attachment rates, as well as the adopted schedule for an updated cost study to be conducted no later than 2020.
Further, staff adapted the cost allocation used to establish the current cable attachment rates to develop a consistent cost-based rate for small cell attachments and is proposing a rate equal to $81.12 per attachment per year.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost in considering the Resolution or setting the date to adopt the Resolution beyond staff time and expense. Future Council action to set the small cell attachment rate will provide a mechanism for cost recovery for the Electric Utility.
ENVIRONMENTAL RE...
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