Power Facts
What's on a Utility Pole?
Hawaiian Electric poles typically hold several sets of lines. The multiple thinner wires, located highest up on the pole are electric lines that carry electric current. The thicker lines located lower on the pole belong to either telephone, cable or internet providers and do not typically carry electric current. City or state streetlights and wiring may also be attached to the pole.
Telecommunication poles are not owned by Hawaiian Electric and are often shorter and smaller in circumference. They only hold telecommunications lines, which are largely bundled together to appear as thick single lines. Both sets of poles may have streetlights attached.
Telecom lines often mistaken for power lines
Hawaiian Electric often receives reports about low-hanging lines that in nearly all cases, turn out to be lines, poles or equipment owned by telecommunications companies. Reporting issues to the appropriate utility will facilitate timely efforts to ensure safe, continued service.
Double Poles
A “Double Pole” situation is created when an older utility pole is replaced, and all or some of the lines and equipment (i.e., telecom equipment, street and traffic lights) from the older pole have not yet been transferred to the new pole. As a result, two utility poles exist where there used to be only one utility pole, until all equipment can be moved (or transferred) to the new pole and the old pole is removed.
