November 12, 2024
With the first phase completed ahead of schedule, Starkville Utilities has launched the second phase of a comprehensive pole inspection program as contract crews focus on the area between Highway 12 and Highway 182.
Inspections are being performed by Osmose Utilities Services, Inc. Depending on utility pole locations, workers may need to access customer property to perform inspections.
“Osmose personnel and vehicles are well-marked, and they place safety signage and cones around them as they work,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “They also have a prepared letter from Starkville Utilities to present to customers who are concerned about unfamiliar individuals being on or adjacent to their property.”
Teams are inspecting more than 6,000 poles in the utility’s service area. The first phase comprised electrical infrastructure north of Highway 182. After the current phase, inspectors will move to the south side of Highway 12 to complete the final phase.
In addition to visually inspecting each wood pole, Osmose is inventorying all items on each pole for Starkville Utilities’ geographic information system map and visually inspecting all overhead lines and poles to identify reliability concerns that need to be repaired by Starkville Utilities.
Electric service will not be affected, and Starkville Utilities will post updates about inspection schedules and locations on its social media channels.
Residents who notice a potential hazard or have general questions about the inspection program are encouraged to call Starkville Utilities at 662-323-3133.
Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.