Rural electric membership cooperatives in Indiana face the dual challenge of maintaining electric distribution systems while also supporting the expansion of broadband access. As broadband service providers increasingly rely on electric poles to deploy fiber optic cables in rural communities, the relationship between cooperatives (as pole owners) and broadband providers (as attaching entities) has become more vital.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates pole attachments for investor-owned utilities, and the Indiana General Assembly has developed a framework to govern pole attachments for cooperatives. These state-specific laws ensure that electric infrastructure remains safe and reliable while supporting timely and efficient broadband expansion.
A key milestone in this regulatory effort came in 2021 with the passage of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1164. This legislation established clear guidelines on pole rental fees, guaranteed non-discriminatory access for cable broadband providers, and laid out responsibilities for both pole
owners and attachers, including financial penalties for illegal attachments to electric poles. It also created a formal dispute resolution process under the oversight of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC).
The Indiana legislature passed Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 502 in 2025 to expedite the deployment of broadband projects funded by federal BEAD broadband grants. This law sets out specific timelines and procedures between pole owners and broadband providers for pole attachments to help
ensure grant program deadlines can be met.
These laws and regulations are intended to help manage pole access arrangements. As broadband becomes essential for daily life, cooperatives are proving to be indispensable partners, either as direct service providers or the backbone infrastructure for third-party networks. These laws and regulations attempt to balance the need for broadband development while ensuring safe and reliable electric service.
Learn more about broadband expansion and how Indiana electric co-ops are supporting the future of local communities at action.indianaec.org.
