Turmoil in the communications and energy industries is taking a toll on MasTec Inc., the Miami-based specialty contractor. Earnings and revenues from operations in the first quarter of 2001 are up over last year, but the company had to set aside $13.1 million as a reserve for money it may never collect from bankrupt or financially troubled clients.

Among these clients are Pacific Gas & Electric, the big California-based utility that recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection from its creditors. MasTec officials also mentioned Pathnet as another financially troubled customer. Pathnet's Pathnet Telecommunications, which was formed with investors Colonial Pipeline, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, and CSX Transporation to build a telecom network along railroad right-of-way, has filed for bankruptcy.