Most of you are familiar with the City’s “Weather the Storm” program…the underground burial of power lines to reduce power outage problems during winter storms like we had back in 2005. In an effort to reduce the costs for residential customers, the city has mapped neighborhoods to see where the most assessments have been completed and is now focusing efforts in these areas. The idea is…”more means cheaper”. Currently, there is a $1,500 subsidy toward the cost of conversion. If they can get more neighbors in one block or one street to participate in a ‘group assessment’, the city may be able to completely subsidize the cost of burial from Duke’s pole to your meter rather than the homeowner paying the remaining balance.
One purpose of this post is to update you on the program but also to introduce you to Mike Mecklenburg. Mike is a North Main resident and NMCA member who has been hired by the city to contact neighbors, door-to-door, to provide information on the program and to solicit participation in the free assessments. If you live in the area roughly within the boundaries of Croft, Townes, Randall and Rutherford Streets, Mike will be knocking on your door to explain the program. We encourage you to watch for him and listen to what he has to say. Ultimately, underground power line burial is the solution, and this current program is your best chance to get it done at the least cost to you!
