Take due care with trees and power lines

While electric utilities pursue their tree trimming initiatives at this time of the year, the recent storm damage in some parts of Indiana serves as a reminder of why these efforts are important.\nAll property owners should understand their rights and responsibilities regarding utility tree trimming. On one hand, utilities have a responsibility to provide all customers with safe, reliable service -- making it necessary to keep tree limbs from growing into power lines. At the same time, customers expect to have the visual integrity of their trees preserved as much as possible. This creates a challenging balance for electric companies and their crews.\nIf your electric utility plans to trim trees in your neighborhood, it should give you advance written notice along with an explanation of its line clearing practices and standards. It should be able to explain the need for the trimming and answer your questions in advance. If a utility trims trees during emergencies to restore outages, the requirement to receive permission is waived.\nIt is also important to remember that the customer generally has the responsibility to keep tree limbs from interfering with the supply line leading to his or her house. However, you should never try to remove or trim a limb that is touching or is close to any power line. Utilities and tree trimming professionals can help you coordinate removal when needed.\nThe best way to avoid many of the common complaints regarding utility tree trimming is to choose appropriate trees, plant them at a safe distance from poles or transformers and call 1-800-382-5544 at least two working days before planting (to ensure you don't accidentally rupture an underground utility line).\nMost major investor-owned electric utilities include information about their tree trimming policies and tips for proper planting on their respective Web sites. The OUCC's Web site (www.IN.gov/OUCC) includes links to this information, along with other helpful sites.