ARRL is able to help electric utilities deal with power-line interference complaints involving Amateur Radio. It's staff can help complainants correctly identify noise sources and ARRL can offer some limited, no-cost consultation to utility staff. The resources from this page that are generally the most useful to electric utility companies are listed in this section. Utilities may contact ARRL's technical staff at rfi@arrl.org.
ARC Technical Resources, Inc.
Providers of electromagnetic compatibility training, equipment, systems and services, including power-line noise locating.
FCC and regulatory
FCC enforcement involving electric utilities
The FCC has been actively and effectively pursuing power-line noise interference complaints. Its process is designed to make good use of self regulation and cooperation by all involved parties. Most cases of power-line noise are resolved directly and effectively by power companies, eliminating the need for any ARRL or FCC assistance. In some cases, however, due to the lack of an effective or timely response by the involved utility, it is sometimes necessary to start the process of involving the FCC. The first steps involve the ARRL, which provides the electric utility with information about the complaint and technical information on how to resolve it. This private-sector process gives electric utility companies opportunity to resolve power line noise complaints in a way that is reasonably balanced against the difficulties of correctly and identifying power line noise, and scheduling repairs in a way that does not have a major impact on utility customers. Those cases that are not being addressed in a reasonable and timely fashion are then forwarded by the ARRL to the FCC, typically within a few months of having been initiated by the complainant. Commission staff evaluate the complaint and it appears that power company equipment is involved, the FCC initiates an advisory letter to the utility, letting it know that the FCC has received a complaint, asking for information from the utility about its attempts at resolution and once again giving the utility an opportunity to resolve the interference and to work directly with the complainant and ARRL. If all of these efforts don't resolve a case, it is then referred to a local FCC field office for investigation. This can and does lead to formal FCC enforcement action, including Citations and specific requirements to utilities to resolve problems and to provide regular reporting on progress to the FCC.
This program is a good balance between private-sector and government involvement. It provides reasonable timetables that are longer than the amount of time given by the FCC to resolve other reported interference problems in recognition of the unique nature of power-line interference, where the identification of the correct source among multiple noise sources on power lines and scheduling various utility staff to perform their own part in the process can take time. ARRL stands ready to offer advice and encouragment at every step in the process. This program represents a model of how interference problems can be resolved effectively by the involved licensees, industry, organizations and government.
Links
Other web links to sites with information about power line noise
Article reprints
You can get a photocopy of any ARRL published article for $3 ($5 for nonmembers) for each article requested. Contact the ARRL Technical Department (reprints@arrl.org ), 1-860-594-0214, if you wish to get photocopies.
Additional information on this subject and related topics can be found in back issues of QST and the following:
The ARRL has an extensive catalog of books and materials related to Amateur Radio.
This information was prepared as a membership service by the American Radio Relay League, Inc., Technical Information Service, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111 (860) 594-0214. Email: tis@arrl.org (Internet). ARRL HQ is glad to provide this information on the Web free of charge as a service to League members and affiliated clubs.
If you have any questions concerning the reproduction or distribution of this material, please contact:
TIS Coordinator
American Radio Relay League
225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111
Tel: 860-594-0214 Fax: 860-594-0259
(email: tis@arrl.org)
