Neighbors raise concern about leaning power pole in Charlotte neighborhood

CHARLOTTE — There’s a push in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood to prevent a potentially disastrous situation involving a Duke Energy power pole, and it could happen at any moment.

People living along Winter Street say a leaning power pole is about to fall on their property, now they’re worried it could start a fire or even hurt children in the area.

It’s not clear what exactly caused the pole to start leaning, but Duke Energy told Channel 9 that poles are maintained “regularly.”

After complaining, neighbors say utility crews went out early in the summer and put a new pole in the ground. However, the wires and transformers were never moved over to the new pole.

“There hasn’t been really any communication other than, ‘Yes, it’s a problem, and we’ll get to it,’” said Tracey Bissell, whose house sits nearby.

A spokesperson for Duke Energy thanked us for bringing this to their attention and blamed the issue on a communication breakdown between Duke and another utility that owns the poles.

Duke Energy says they are taking this issue seriously and added that a fix is coming as soon as possible.

If you see power poles that have fallen or are sagging, Duke Energy urges you to call 800-228-8485 or contact a local emergency services department.

Duke Energy says to “consider all power lines --as well as trees, limbs, and anything else in contact with power lines-- energized and dangerous.”

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