SCOTX Rules Oncor Must Pay Moving Costs

(AUSTIN) – In a case closely watched by cities across Texas, the Texas Supreme Court Friday reiterated the long-recognized right of a city to require utilities to bear line and pole relocation costs when roadways are widened or straightened.

Oncor Electric Delivery Co. had challenged a requirement by the city of Richardson to pay the costs of relocating utility poles in 32 alleys. The company argued that the specific wording of the state’s Utilities Code did not require them to do so.