CenterPoint Energy's Utility Pole Sparks Backyard Nightmare for Richmond Resident
Ivo Quinonez is left scratching his head after CenterPoint Energy crews installed a utility pole in the front yard of his Richmond home, just feet away from his back door. The homeowner claims that not only did the crew mark out their intended location on the floor, but they also proceeded to install the pole without giving him a heads-up.
According to Quinonez, as soon as he stepped outside, he was hit with a strong, pungent smell emanating from the pole. His eyes are also drawn to the dark substance leaking from it, which has stained his siding, furniture, and appliances.
"I couldn't believe it," Quinonez recalled. "I knew they came and marked on the floor, but I didn't realize they were going to put that right in front of my door." The leak, he claims, is particularly stubborn and refuses to be cleaned off.
Quinonez had purchased his home with the understanding that it was an easement – a concession granted by property owners allowing utility providers like CenterPoint Energy to install equipment on their properties. However, he felt that a more discreet placement for the pole would have been preferable, especially since it's directly in front of his back door.
"Just move the post to the side at least," Quinonez pleaded. "I'm okay with the post being in the backyard, but not in front of the door. That's not right, I think."
In response to ABC13's inquiries about the pole's placement and the substance leaking from it, a CenterPoint Energy spokesperson acknowledged that they had installed the pole but claimed that their primary focus is on preparing for an impending winter storm.
For Quinonez, the situation has left him frustrated and uncertain. "I'm not sure what kind of priority CenterPoint has," he said. "They're supposed to be serving our community, but at what cost?"
Ivo Quinonez is left scratching his head after CenterPoint Energy crews installed a utility pole in the front yard of his Richmond home, just feet away from his back door. The homeowner claims that not only did the crew mark out their intended location on the floor, but they also proceeded to install the pole without giving him a heads-up.
According to Quinonez, as soon as he stepped outside, he was hit with a strong, pungent smell emanating from the pole. His eyes are also drawn to the dark substance leaking from it, which has stained his siding, furniture, and appliances.
"I couldn't believe it," Quinonez recalled. "I knew they came and marked on the floor, but I didn't realize they were going to put that right in front of my door." The leak, he claims, is particularly stubborn and refuses to be cleaned off.
Quinonez had purchased his home with the understanding that it was an easement – a concession granted by property owners allowing utility providers like CenterPoint Energy to install equipment on their properties. However, he felt that a more discreet placement for the pole would have been preferable, especially since it's directly in front of his back door.
"Just move the post to the side at least," Quinonez pleaded. "I'm okay with the post being in the backyard, but not in front of the door. That's not right, I think."
In response to ABC13's inquiries about the pole's placement and the substance leaking from it, a CenterPoint Energy spokesperson acknowledged that they had installed the pole but claimed that their primary focus is on preparing for an impending winter storm.
For Quinonez, the situation has left him frustrated and uncertain. "I'm not sure what kind of priority CenterPoint has," he said. "They're supposed to be serving our community, but at what cost?"
! I mean, can't they just do their job right for once?! 
Ivo Quinonez's story is just wild - these utility pole crews are like a special kind of bad luck magnet 
. First, they mark out the spot on his floor, no problemo... and then BAM! They just drop it in front of his door without even asking?! 
What if he was home with kids or pets?! The smell alone is giving me anxiety 
, and that dark stuff leaking everywhere? Yikes! 
I get it, they need to prep for the winter storm, but can't they just communicate better with their customers?! It's not like this pole is going anywhere - just move it to the side already! 
. Sorry Ivo, but that just doesn't seem right 
. and now he's got some kinda toxic leak going on 
... that's just gross. i feel for the guy, but at the same time, like, shouldn't they be more considerate when it comes to his property? especially since he paid good money for that easement 
. idk what centerpoint energy's deal is, but i hope quinonez gets some answers and that this mess gets cleaned up ASAP 
they knew where the pole was going and yet still managed to install it right in front of his back door? that's just reckless. 
and now he's dealing with a huge mess on his hands... staining everything and whatnot. 
seems like they're more concerned with getting the job done than with being considerate of homeowners. 
The utility pole just shows up out of nowhere, staining all his stuff and making a huge mess! And yeah, it's not like he asked for that. He even bought the house with an easement knowing some utilities would be present... 
I think CenterPoint Energy should really step their game up on communication - at least give the homeowner some heads up before they start making a huge mess! 
i mean, centerpoint energy says their main goal is to prepare but it feels like they're just trying to do the bare minimum without even caring about how it affects us regular ppl... ugh 
! Like, I get it, they need to install stuff, but can't they just give the homeowner some heads up? 
And now his whole house is all stained and smelly... 
I'd be losing my mind if someone just started digging up my backyard without asking 
.
centerpoint energy needs to figure out a better way 2 avoid messin up peoples yards. this guy's backyard is literally ruined rn 
and i'm sure he's got bills to pay meanwhile Quinonez is stuck dealin with the aftermath 
And the worst part is, he thought he had an easement, so he didn't even think twice about it. 
A little consideration would go a long way here! 
. Quinonez has every right to be annoyed - I wouldn't want some stranger coming into my home and ruining my day like that too. But at the same time, you can't blame them for being upset... it's a big deal 
centerpoint energy should def do a better job of letting ppl know where they're gonna be installing stuff in their yards 
plus that leaky pole is just gross 
And what's up with CenterPoint Energy just assuming their way is right? Don't they communicate with homeowners at all?! 
maybe they're trying to distract us from the "real" issue at hand... like, what if the leaky pole thingy is actually some kinda cover-up? 