Centro Sur Wants Clearer Rules For Cuenca’s Overhead Cables

Centro Sur is trying to put some order into Cuenca's overhead cable mess.

The regional electric company has presented a proposed ordinance to the Municipality of Cuenca to regulate aerial cable deployment and set rules for use of public space. Diego Morales, Centro Sur's executive president, said the proposal follows cable-removal work in the company's concession area in Azuay, Cañar, and Morona Santiago.

Why This Matters On The Street

Morales said Centro Sur has found that 60% to 70% of the cable installed on poles is obsolete or no longer useful. Crews have already removed unused material in sectors including avenida Unidad Nacional, avenida Remigio Crespo, calle Guayas, and calle Tungurahua.

The proposal would create a Municipal Plan for Ordering Aerial Public Space, classify areas for network installation, require a municipal aerial-space permit, and push operators to remove obsolete or non-working cables at their own cost.

What Would Change

The permit for occupying aerial public space would last three years, with the possibility of renewal. The proposal also prioritizes underground ducts and other technical solutions for new networks when possible.

Centro Sur says the proposal would not create new fees or extra operator costs, because pole-use rates are already set by Arcotel.

For residents, the practical point is coordination. When cables are unidentified, damaged, or hanging low, it can be hard to know which operator is responsible. The city still has no defined date for a full council debate, but working tables with council members, planning technicians, ETAPA EP, and other actors are expected next week.