A cable operator must remove abandoned pole attachments within 60 days after a written removal request from an electric cooperative. The cooperative may grant a reasonable extension, may remove or dispose of the attachment if the operator misses the deadline, and may require a security instrument.
Sec. 252.007. ABANDONED POLE ATTACHMENTS; REMOVAL. (a) A cable operator shall remove the operator's abandoned pole attachment from an electric cooperative's pole not later than the 60th day after the date the cable operator receives from the electric cooperative a written request for removal of the pole attachment. A cable operator may request an electric cooperative to extend for a reasonable period the 60-day period prescribed by this section at any time before the 60-day period expires. The request for an extension must be in writing. The electric cooperative may grant a cable operator a reasonable extension of time to remove an abandoned attachment. (b) If a cable operator does not remove a pole attachment for which a request for removal was made under Subsection (a) before the expiration of the period described by that subsection or before the expiration of an extended period granted by the electric cooperative, the electric cooperative may remove, use, sell, or dispose of the pole attachment at the cable operator's expense. (c) An electric cooperative may require that a cable operator post a security instrument in an amount reasonably sufficient to cover the potential cost to the electric cooperative of removal and disposal of abandoned pole attachments. (d) A cable operator shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the electric cooperative and the cooperative's members, directors, officers, agents, and employees from and against all liability for the removal, use, sale, or disposal of abandoned pole attachments, except for personal injury or property damage arising from the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the electric cooperative during the removal and disposal process. Added by Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1077 (H.B. 3355), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.