You asked whether the Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) has regulations, or the electric companies have policies, on tree trimming.

Electric companies must submit line maintenance plans to DPUC for its approval each even-numbered year (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 16-32g-1). The plan must cover the maintenance of the companies' transmission and distribution lines, including the clearances of poles, wires, and other facilities along public highways and streets. PA 07-242 requires the companies to submit new plans to DPUC by January 1 annually, starting in 2008.

Under DPUC policy, tree branches must be kept at least ten feet from the wires that serve residential areas. If a tree is taller than the wire, it must be trimmed so that none of its branches above the wire extend into the ten-foot clearance zone. In the case of the three-phase wires serving businesses, the minimum clearance is 14 feet. Under United Illuminating's (UI) maintenance plan, trees near three-phase wires are trimmed every four years to maintain the required clearance. The frequency of trimming in residential areas is based on how often trees come in contact with the wires. Connecticut Light and Power's (CL&P) plan calls for it to trim trees along all of its lines every four years. However, according to DPUC staff, CL&P modified its practice after the price of gasoline increased, and its current practice is similar to UI's. CL&P is currently seeking an increase in its distribution rates, and proposes to return to a four-year trimming cycle.

CGS § 16-234 generally requires the electric company to obtain the consent of the adjoining property owner before trimming a tree that is on the highway right of way or overhangs a public highway. If the company is unable to obtain the owner's consent, the town tree warden or DPUC can authorize the trimming after notifying the owner and holding a hearing.

KM: ro