13 WTHR IndianapolisNew restrictions on utilities who want to cut your trees

New restrictions on utilities who want to cut your trees

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INDIANAPOLIS - Homeowners in Indiana have won a victory for their property rights. There are now new restrictions on utilities who want to cut back your trees.

Trees and power lines too close together often lead to power outages, especially during storms. And until now, Indianapolis Power and Light has been able to come onto your property when they wanted to trim those trees back to avoid such problems. But not anymore.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has ruled that utilities can't just enter onto private property and trim trees unless they have the permission of the property owner. The IURC made the change after receiving complaints from property owners about utilities damaging trees and other growth in an effort to keep power lines free of tree limbs.

Utilities must now notify property owners face to face or with a phone call along with a letter at least two weeks before tree trimming is planned. Any debris from tree trimming must be removed in three days.

In a statement to Eyewitness News, IPL said tree trimming remains an important part of providing safe and reliable service to customers. IPL said its reviewing the ruling.