Puget Sound Power and Light Co. v. Strong

The issue presented here is the proper measure of damages for a negligently destroyed utility pole: the full replacement cost or the replacement cost less depreciation based on the life of the pole. The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's conclusion that an offset for depreciation is appropriate. Puget Sound Power & Light Co. v. Strong, 59 Wn. App. 430, 798 P.2d 1162 (1990). We reverse.

On January 6, 1984, Gerald Strong negligently drove his car into a Puget Sound Power and Light Company (Puget Power) utility pole and destroyed it. Puget Power replaced the pole and sought payment from…