CMP explains midspan pole plan; neighbors ask for alternatives, board tables permit for follow-up

Representatives of Central Maine Power described a Distribution Automation Program that installs reclosers and sectionalizers to isolate outages and restore service faster. CMP said the devices have been deployed across the service territory and plan to install about 500 this year; the Ames Terrace proposal would place a midspan pole and cabinet to serve nearby customers and reduce outage durations.

CMP speakers Deborah Turkot (project outreach specialist) and Abby Shabbat (program manager, community relations) explained the equipment’s outage-isolation function and said midspan placement was chosen because existing distribution poles near the site are already congested with lines and attachments. They said the program is ratepayer funded and that the recloser can restore power in minutes for many customers during localized faults.

Nearby property owners raised multiple concerns: Jeff Scott asked that the pole be sited at a corner rather than mid-lot so future driveway and development options aren’t constrained; Victor, the lot owner, said a mid-lot pole would significantly impair the development potential of the parcel and asked whether CMP could attach the device to an existing pole. Both asked CMP to provide documentation about ownership of poles in town (several residents said prior requests produced inconsistent answers) and to provide technical information about electromagnetic emissions and safety; CMP offered follow-up contact with subject-matter experts.

CMP agreed to revisit engineering and siting options, provide outage-history details for the neighborhood, and deliver ownership/mapping data for utility poles. The Select Board voted to table the permit until CMP returns with the requested documentation.