Published: July 12, 2009 11:00 pm      

Disabled man waiting for power in home

Official says unique situation has caused delay

Bo Hines has a brand new modular home on a piece of newly landscaped land that he has been unable to enjoy because for more than three months he hasn't had power.

He is beginning to become more than just frustrated.

"I just want, or better yet, need to have my electricity run to the home," said Hines, 45, who is disabled after a crash in 2006 that left him with a broken neck. "I just don't understand what the holdup has been."

Hines' plight is unique: the East Mississippi Electric Power Association, or EMEPA, who prides itself on providing electricity to rural customers, is having a hard time securing needed rights of way from nearby landowners to provide power to his home. The company has been trying to get the lines there for nearly four months.

The home is located at 2410 Hopewell Road and nestled back in a wooded area off Chunky Duffy Road near the Schamberville community on Highway 494. Hines paid his deposit and membership fees to the EMEPA on March 19, 2009.

Mike Reich, director of marketing and communications for EMEPA, was surprised at the long period of time Hines has gone without power. As he prepared to go and check on the situation, Reich said EMEPA prides itself on connecting its customers with electricity quickly.

"If we don't get next day connection at a location then we are disappointed in ourselves," said Reich before he hung up the phone to start his own inquiry. "But underdeveloped rural areas can present some unique obstacles."

What Reich found out after looking into the issue: Hines is in a rural area on the extreme edge of EMEPA's service area and there are several landowners between the nearest service pole and his property.

"We have had to deal with several land owners in securing the rights to run power across their properties," Reich said. "Although most of those permissions are normally granted quickly, there are times, such as with dealing with large timber companies, where it just takes time. That's what the holdup has been."

Reich said that Hines' unfortunate wait should end soon. When officials at EMEPA receive the last of the paperwork allowing them to run power lines through the area near Hines' home, then it should be just a couple of days later when Hines can move in.

Aside from Hines' unfortunate accident in 2006 that left him with a broken neck, Hines said this episode — living on a relative's property until power can be provided to his new home — has been taxing.

Hines said he hopes the issue is resolved soon.