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coach78 · Jun 13, 2007, 05:39 PM

So I'm helping my friend with this problem. He lives on a lot with a private power pole. Recently it shifted and the meter (which is on the pole) disconnected from the breaker that feeds into his house. So now he is without power, I've contacted a contractor to set the pole straight, but he said it would snap if we tried to push it back. My friends house is in the middle of nowhere so it would be expensive for him to get a new pole dug and set and he really can't afford it. Is the contractor feeding us a line of bull or can we just get the pole pushed back? The power company won't touch it because it's not theirs. He has the homeowners insurance coming to look at it, I just wanted to get an opinion on what the contractor said. Thanks.

Stratmando · Jun 13, 2007, 07:06 PM

Take Pictures. Then, does it look like pushing back into place will "snap" as he says or not,
If he seems honest, and has experience, He may have experienced something similar in the past. Hopefully you could spot "Unreasonable". He may want to fix problem, and be done with it, so you won't be haunted in the future. Good Luck

Washington1 · Jun 13, 2007, 10:04 PM

Start digging!
If you can't afford the cost of getting it repaired, then have the pole stabilzed immediately, then make sure all your meter and overhead connections are tight. After everything is secure, start gathering estimates to get the work done, so you can know how much you are going to need to get the pole and wiring re-done. You may be able to rent a bob cat, and dig your own hole (yet, you may need a spotter, and permission from your jurisdictional department (State; City; etc.).

tkrussell · Jun 14, 2007, 06:28 AM

If there is earth all around the base of the pole, simply pushing on the pole can snap the pole. The earth needs to be removed on the side the pole needs to be pushed into, the pole will not move that earth on it's own.

What also needs to be done is to determine why did the pole shift. Was it because of loose or washed out earth? Or is the overhead line causing stress or strain on the top of the pole, or a little of both? This issue should be determined before the pole is relocated so any corrective measures can be performed to prevent this from occurring again.

Any overhead and underground lines may need to be disconnected from the pole to relocate it. Any attempt to work this pole with live lines connected can cause serious problems. Even dead lines connected may be damaged while relocating the pole.