Packrat56:
Utility (POCO'S) are not covered by the NEC. They are in the NESC. Yes, OH clearances are within NEC, but it's the EC's responsibility to install the drop hook at the proper height. The EC's have to contact the POCO here for a service location/meter location, and the POCO tech determines the min/max hook height.
Please note that I am in no way defending this 'temp', nor the POCO; and I agree it is a danger & should never have been around as long as the OP said.
