by

Hamilton County Reporter

Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard has announced that the city is suspending Metronet’s Right-of-Way Permit pending investigation. This effectively stops new work by the private utility that was installing high speed internet fiber throughout the community. All new utility work by Metronet will be on hold until the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) investigation requested by the City of Fishers is complete. Carmel will also request the IURC investigate all utility cuts made by Metronet in the city. The City of Carmel will then re-evaluate Metronet’s Right-of-Way Permit to determine what work may continue at that time.

After Vectren reported 14 gas line hits in Carmel by Metronet in 2017, Mayor Brainard took this action due to the safety risk this posed to the general public. He also will be seeking damages for the costs incurred in responding to public safety calls caused by Metronet’s negligence.

The City of Fishers recently reported contractors for Metronet were responsible for six gas line ruptures.

In recent years, the Indiana State legislature has taken away cities’ rights to deny permission for privately-owned utilities to operate in cities’ rights of way.

“Our hands are tied when it comes to regulating these private utilities as they work in the right of way, but when that work poses a threat to public safety, we must take whatever action is available to ensure our citizens and businesses are kept from harm,” said Mayor Brainard.

The city will permit restoration work to continue where yards, rights of way and landscaping has been disturbed. However, if that restoration requires any form of excavation, Metronet will only be permitted to proceed with that excavation if a City of Carmel inspector is on site.

The city is asking those with complaints about Metronet to call the Carmel Department of Community Services at (317) 571-2417.