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Personal Property Rights Against Public Utility Co

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  • 04-15-2009, 12:16 AM
    phe49
    Personal Property Rights Against Public Utility Co
    My question involves a consumer law issue in the State of: California

    This morning PG&E was at my house to install two 4' metal barrier poles in front of my gas meter. Problem was I did not request this, nor did I ever receive any written notice (or notice of any kind) that they would be on my property to do work. Had I left early, I would have returned home to find these ugly poles implanted in the flowerbed next to my driveway, by the side of my house. This would be in plain sight from the street.

    They say that it is a new PUC order by the state, that any gas meter that is not 3' from a driveway must have these barricades. They say they have easement rights to my property (I concede that they probably do). Can I request they prove the easement? Can I make them stay in the easement to do the work? Would stepping out of the easement be trespassing?

    They will need to dig up my bedding to place these poles. Is this considered damage to my property? Since the plants are probably planted in their so called easement can they destroy them at no replacement cost?
    This will be an eyesore along the side of the house. Possible devaulation of property - or not?
    Where they intend to install these poles will cause a hardship in opening the car door to get in and out, as it is where I always park. In the event of damage to my car door, can they be held liable?

    Do I have any recourse? Not sure what my next step should be. I don't want these poles in my yard. What about my rights as a private property owner? Do I have any? Shouldn't I have been contacted prior to them trying to do this work?
    I'm really upset over this. I've talked to people all day, searched the internet all evening. I've not found anything to help. Can't find anything in regard to this PUC ruling. I'll be calling the PUC tomorrow.

    Thank you in advance for any help you can lend.
  • 04-16-2009, 05:45 PM
    Mr. Knowitall
    Re: Personal Property Rights Against Public Utility Co
    In all honesty, if it's in fact required by the state, you're delaying the inevitable - and if you successfully impede them you may find that they're more than happy to stay off of your property, but that they discontinue gas service until you fix the problem yourself. You may be able to arrange for a more cosmetically pleasing barrier, at your own expense. You may also be able to move the meter at your own expense, although the cost of that will likely be disproportionate to the benefit.

    Do find out the CPUC section and get back to us. That may give us some more ideas.
  • 04-17-2009, 09:54 AM
    phe49
    Re: Personal Property Rights Against Public Utility Co
    Mr. K.
    Thank you for responding.
    I haven't had any luck finding the code. I've been on the internet for hours. I did call the number on the website and got no answer, not even a message machine.
    I'm still trying. If I find anything I'll be back.
    Thanks again.
  • 05-18-2009, 09:55 AM
    phe49
    Re: Personal Property Rights Against Public Utility Co
    Update:
    Finally got through to the PUC, we had a conference call with PG&E main custormer support. I was promised a copy of the PUC codes and easement rights, which did not come. I called to cancel appt with PG&E who in turn showed up with copy of codes and survey of my property done in 2004 pointing out the so called violation.

    At this point, they said they were trying to work with me. Gave me 2 alternatives to fix the so called barrier issue. We made an appointment/completion time for me to build and them to approve my planter fix. PG&E did not keep the appointment which cost me money to be there at their appointed time. So I called the local police put in a complaint and had it documented that I had indeed done as requested. Then left PG&E a message letting them know I called the local PD.

    PG&E showed this morning and signed off on my planter.

    I was never able to find any actual easements. I went to the county assessor and also county surveyor's office. The 2 easements listed on my title had nothing to do with PG&E. I realize there is an unspoken easement for meter reading, but I never found any other easements.

    I am still mad at the fact, that had I not been home when they showed up, they would have installed barriers without notifying me or giving me the alternative options. Just seems to me, there is something underhanded and against property rights in not notifying the homeowner first.

    Thanks for letting me sound off here.
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