Introduction

For many utilities and cooperatives, joint use is no longer just an engineering issue. It is also a revenue issue.

Across many systems, utilities are finding unauthorized attachments, outdated pole records, underbilled attachers, and communication facilities that do not match billing records.

These issues create lost revenue, increase operating costs, and make it harder for utilities to manage their pole attachment programs effectively.

Why Utilities Lose Attachment Revenue

Many utilities rely on old records, outdated attachment inventories, or billing systems that do not accurately reflect what is currently in the field.

As communication networks expand and ownership changes hands, attachment counts often become inaccurate.

Some attachers add facilities without proper permitting. Others continue using space that is no longer being billed. In some cases, utilities may still be billing for facilities that have been removed while missing others that have been added.

Without current records, utilities can lose significant revenue over time.

Common Issues Found During Attachment Audits

Field audits often uncover issues such as:

• Unauthorized attachments
• Incorrect attachment counts
• Facilities attached above or below permitted space
• Abandoned cable or communication facilities
• Attachments from companies that are no longer active
• Pole records that do not match actual field conditions

These issues not only impact revenue but can also complicate make ready engineering and increase project costs.

How Better Data Supports More Than Revenue Recovery

Joint use field audits can support much more than billing accuracy.

The same field work used to validate attachment counts can also support geographic information system updates, asset validation, vegetation management planning, reliability projects, and storm hardening efforts.

Utilities that combine these efforts into one field initiative often get much more value from the same investment.

Conclusion

Utilities that maintain accurate records and regularly validate field conditions are in a much stronger position to recover revenue, reduce avoidable costs, and improve operational efficiency.

A stronger joint use program not only protects revenue but also creates better visibility into the condition of the system.

Call to Action

If your team needs help validating attachment inventories, identifying unauthorized attachments, or improving billing accuracy, Axiom can help.