Pole Attachment Rate Approval Sought By Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative

On May 16, 2013, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) filed an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) seeking approval of its proposed pole attachment rates, terms and conditions, pursuant to Virginia Code 56-466.1 as amended, which grants to the SCC authority to review the reasonableness of electric cooperative pole attachment rates, terms and conditions, and requires the SCC to take into consideration the impact of pole rates on broadband customers within the state as well as other factors.

As required by a procedural order established in the proceeding, Case No. PUE-2013-00055, NOVEC submitted prefiled direct testimony for several witnesses on July 16, 2013. Attaching entities, including Comcast, the Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association on behalf of its members, the Virginia Telecommunications Industry Association on behalf of its members, as well as the Virginia Maryland Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives representing other electric cooperative pole owners, all filed responsive testimony on August 29, 2013.

The SCC staff is scheduled to file a report in October, after which NOVEC is scheduled to file rebuttal testimony. The hearing in the case is scheduled for late November.