Section 21.15.4 Utilities of the City of Schertz Unified Development Code outlines standards for construction of underground and overhead utilities. Generally the code requires utilities to be underground within single family residential neighborhoods.  Where utilities are allowed to be overhead in other situations, commercial areas for example, poles are required to be steel. Utility companies charge the developer to extend power to/through a new development and pass the cost along to the developer. At times utility companies, as part of projects to increase or improve service more broadly, submit applications for their own projects. The utility companies generally install the infrastructure overhead and on wooden poles. In these situations, in addition to the standards of the UDC, the franchise agreements and Public Utility Commission (PUC) regulations come into play. The utility companies have cited these other regulations in taking the position that the city must pay the difference to upgrade to metal poles from wood. The most recent cost is approximately $3,195. 

This discussion was prompted by an application from CPS to extend power along Ray Corbett Drive, that includes 20 new poles (the cost to upgrade to metal would be almost $64,000. Currently, there are wood poles on Ray Corbett Drive and CPS is proposing to extend wooden poles. Staff is seeking direction on the City's desire to pay to updgrade to metal. Keep in mind, this is just one project and staff receives a number of these from the various utility companies throughout the year.