Subcontractor Agrees to Pay for Damaged Electric Line at Katy Family’s Home
KATY, Texas (KTRK) — A subcontractor has verbally agreed to pay for the repair of a damaged electric line at a Katy family’s home, which has left them without power.
A Dark Christmas Eve
Tony Self arrived home from work on Christmas Eve to find his elderly parents in the dark at their shared home in Katy, Texas.
A Challenging Situation
Self expressed concern for his mother, who relies on oxygen and has limited mobility, as well as his father, as both are at risk of falling. The lack of power made it difficult for them to navigate their surroundings.
The Cause of the Problem
According to Self, a CenterPoint Energy technician determined that the issue originated from work done to install lines for AT&T in their neighbor’s yard several weeks prior. The digging had inadvertently damaged the conduit connecting their house, and when it rained, the wet ground caused a short circuit.
A Temporary Solution
To restore electricity, the family had to pay $487 for a temporary bypass line. This line runs from their neighbor’s home, over their fence, and connects to the meter on the side of their house.
Seeking Resolution
Self filed a claim with AT&T in hopes of reaching a resolution. ABC13 also reached out to AT&T for a response but has not received one yet.
A Positive Development
Later that day, the subcontractor responsible for the damage contacted Self and verbally agreed to cover the repair costs.
A Similar Incident
Last week, ABC13 reported on another incident involving AT&T and a different subcontractor. A woman in Seabrook experienced a similar problem when the subcontractor damaged the power lines while installing fiber lines, resulting in a loss of electricity.
Debbie’s Experience
Debbie, the affected homeowner in Seabrook, had to pay for a bypass line to power her home while she sought accountability for the damages. However, the subcontractor denied any wrongdoing in an email, and AT&T supported their findings.
Conclusion
The subcontractor’s agreement to cover the repair costs brings hope for a resolution to the Katy family’s situation. It also highlights the importance of proper installation and maintenance to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
