Brief Highlights of the PURA Final Decision
The Final Decision in Docket No. 12-01-10, Tree Trimming, issued June 25, 2014, made significant improvements in its original draft decision of November 19, 2013 and reflected
the changes in the law made by Public Act 14-151. PURA and the utilities must, of course, comply with all relevant state statutes.
In brief, the Final Decision:
the changes in the law made by Public Act 14-151. PURA and the utilities must, of course, comply with all relevant state statutes.
In brief, the Final Decision:
- Mandates utility flexibility in determining what pruning and removal of roadside trees and shrubs is necessary for utility reliability, and directs the utilities to consider the diversity of vegetation among urban, suburban and rural areas.
- Requires a utility to evaluate each tree according to numerous relevant criteria ten days prior to notifying a property owner of its plans.
- Explicitly states PURA's preference that objections to proposed pruning and removal be resolved at the local level.
- Recognizes that no utility pruning or removal can take place without a tree warden permit.
- Establishes procedures, including maintenance of records, designed to ensure that all property owners along the roads actually receive notice of proposed pruning and removal, so that they can exercise their rights to object or request modifications in the utility's plans.
- Requires notice by certified mail, return receipt, if no other methods of contacting a property owner have been successful.
- Makes a commitment to work with DEEP's forestry division in reviewing vegetation management plans and in handling appeals to PURA by a utility or property owner from a tree warden's decisions.
- Requires the utilities to submit specified useful data.
For a more detailed summary see: Summary and Comments on the PURA Final Decision
Click for historical background on events prior to the decision
Click for historical background on events prior to the decision