Manhattan Heights residents concerned over electric poles

While some are upset at El Paso Electric over its proposed rate increase, residents in the historic Manhattan Heights District are upset over new electricity poles.

Last month residents noticed EPE was installing poles along Elm Street. They say the utility didn’t seek the approval of the Historic Landmark Commission.

Tuesday evening those residents met with EPE representatives.

The utility poles started going up shortly after the Fourth of July.

Residents asked the electric company if there are alternative routes for its poles.

The utility says that’s not an option right now.

“The short story is that there are other options that we would of identified however they were at the expense of taxpayers, our rate payers and there would be issues of actually adding more poles in the district,” said EPE spokesperson Eddie Gutierrez.

El Paso Electric said it has an agreement with the city that gives it the right to easements.

Residents who live along Elm Street say the utility poles are not only an eyesore but could become a safety hazard during storms.

They said Elm Street becomes a river when it rains really hard. They feel the unstable ground below could affect the poles.

“This, we think is a real concern. The ground that these high voltage poles are in are sinkholes and a safety issue and the impact that the poles could have on the sewer lines and the sewer lines on the poles,” said Manhattan Heights resident Julie Rutlidge.

El Paso Electric reassured residents like Rutlidge saying it did its homework and the project is part of an upgrade to its electricity system in Central El Paso.