MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Drivers are slamming into power poles roughly 80 times a month in Memphis, forcing ratepayers to absorb a $7.2 million annual replacement cost, an Impact Team investigation reveals.
Memphis Light Gas and Water customers are often on the hook to replace the poles when drivers crash into them, cutting power to homes and businesses across the city.
The Impact Team got access to MLGW’s power pole graveyard, where Assistant Maintenance Manager Derrick Jones said replacing a downed pole can cost between $7,500 and $15,000 each…