CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Public Service Commission has again made it clear that electric and telephone utility companies cannot place the responsibility of replacing aging poles on internet service providers trying to install broadband equipment.

In an order released Thursday, the PSC clarified a previous order issued in August, stating that poles that are “red-tagged,” poles that require replacement due to age, condition and safety issues, must be replaced by the owner of the pole.

“We wish to make it clear that poles that require replacement due to age, deterioration, safety violations, accident, or any other cause must be replaced at the cost of the owners,” the order said. “We are concerned that pole owners have not been consistent and aggressive in identifying poles that shoul

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