The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission issued new rules and regulations on Nov. 30, 2010, regarding how utility companies trim trees on private property. Here’s the release and a link to the 111-page complete ruling.
Utility-trimmed trees in Muncie.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has determined that Hoosiers would benefit from having consistency with regard to the rules and regulations surrounding tree‐trimming practices and procedures.
After scheduling an unprecedented number of field hearings throughout the state, the Commission finds that a balance can be struck between the utility companies and their customers.
Recognizing that inadequate vegetation management can impact service reliability and, in severe cases, cause blackouts, the Commission’s Order provides customers with the opportunity to partake in the vegetation management process while still granting the utilities flexibility when it comes to addressing the needs of their unique service territories.
“The Commission reviewed hundreds of pages of testimony and received input from concerned ratepayers at six public field hearings in every part of the state to craft a balanced Order that addresses the concerns of all the parties,” said David Ziegner, the presiding Commissioner.
In its decision, the Commission stated that the utilities are required to adhere to nationally recognized best practices, as outlined by the ANSI A300 standards as well as other vegetation management guidelines detailed in the Order. For example, the utilities are now prohibited from “topping” trees or removing more than 25 percent of a tree’s canopy without the property owner’s consent. This decision stems from consumer complaints broached during the course of the proceeding. If the property owner does not consent, the utility must offer alternatives.
When contacting customers, the utilities must now provide notice in person or over the phone and provide at least one form of written notice to the customer. The initial notice should be no later than two weeks before the trimming is estimated to occur. In doing so, customers and utilities will have more time to discuss and resolve concerns. Further, once normal maintenance trimming is complete, the Commission finds that it is reasonable for the utility to have the debris promptly removed within three calendar days.
With regard to accessing property, utilities should use the public rights of way or easements. If the existing access points are insufficient, utilities either need to obtain such additional easements as necessary from the property owner, or obtain the consent of the property owner prior to trimming vegetation outside of the easement or right of way.
Because this finding conflicts with the application of Indianapolis Power & Light’s tariff, the Commission is requiring the utility to file revised language that is in accord with the provisions outlined in the Commission’s Order.
The Commission believes the best path to cooperation between customers and their utility company is through continuous education. The Commission points specifically to educating the public on how tree‐trimming prevents service interruption and keeps Hoosiers safe.
Additionally, the Commission supports efforts to educate consumers on planting the right type of tree in the right place to prevent interference with power lines in the first place. Consequently, the Commission is ordering that the issues related to customer education, notification, tree replacement and dispute resolution be addressed through a formal rulemaking.
“The Commission looks forward to continuing this dialogue in the rulemaking process and thanks the Indiana General Assembly and all of the parties for their efforts in this investigation,” said Commissioner Ziegner.
The rulemaking will be applicable to all investor‐owned electric utilities; however, other non‐jurisdictional electric utilities may also participate and are encouraged to do so. To start the process, the Commission has scheduled a technical conference for 2:30 p.m., Dec. 15, 2010.
The Commission envisions that at the completion of the rulemaking process there will be a code of conduct that protects Hoosiers and provides them with an outlet to voice their concerns. The Commission will work closely with the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and the public as well as the utilities to craft rules that are fair, reasonable and in the public interest. The Commission strongly encourages active public participation.
Previous posts on this topic:
State commission investigates utilities’ tree trimming practices
Here in PA they just turn up, lop the tops off your trees and disappear – and the first you know about it is when you return home and find the branches on the driveway. Once they even came and took half the branches off one side of a large maple – while we were in the basement! They never even rang the door bell! And what happens when this unbalanced tree falls on the house? It’s outrageous.
Utilities should also be required to contract with only ISA certified arborists.