If a power line runs through a tree that is located on private property, is CWLP responsible for trimming that tree? It depends.
CWLP is responsible for trimming or removing trees that conflict with high-voltage primary electric wires. So, even if a tree is located
on private property, if it conflicts with primary electric lines, it is CWLP's responsibility to trim or remove the tree.
Maintaining/repairing the service line—the wire that delivers power from the service transformer to a customer's building—is the customer's responsibility.
Therefore, it is technically the property owner's responsibility to resolve any issues involving a conflict between a tree and his own service line (regardless of where the tree is located).
However, there can be circumstances under which CWLP might determine it is in the best interest of the utility to assist a property owner in resolving at least some part of a tree and
service line conflict. Therefore, we encourage you to contact our Line Clearance Supervisor at 217.321.1407 or carl.tega@cwlp.com) for questions about tree and power line conflicts
for both primary or secondary (service) wires. The CWLP line clearance supervisor will assess the situation and determine whether
the utility or you will be responsible for the work. If he determines the branch removal/trimming is your responsibility, he might recommend you hire a professional to do the job.
If CWLP Helps Resolve a Conflict Between a Tree and Your Service Line
If the line clearance supervisor determines it is in the best interest of the utility to have his crew resolve a conflict between a tree and a customer's service line,
the crew will do only the minimum amount of work needed to fix the immediate problem. For instance, let's say a large branch from a nearby tree is leaning heavily against
your service line (or a branch has fallen onto the line) and its weight is placing a great strain on the wire. The line clearance supervisor might determine the most efficient
thing to do (from the utility's perspective) is to have his crew remove the branch. However, the crew would remove only that branch. Any
further trimming to reduce the likelihood of a similar problem in the future will be your responsibility.
If the branch has in any way damaged the wire, strained the wire so much that it has pulled the meter away from the
house, or caused any other damage, the repair will be your responsibility.
What Should You Do If You Are Required to Clear Your Service Line?
If you or a tool you are using while trying to clear branches from your service line should come into contact with that wire, you could be severely
injured or even killed. So for your safety, whenever you, a friend or family member, or a hired contractor will be doing any type of work on or
around your service line, CWLP urges you to contact the utility to arrange to have power to the line temporarily shut off—and, when applicable,
to have the line temporarily taken down—while you perform the work. To schedule this free service, call 217.321.1409 or email kirk.jacobs@cwlp.com a few business days in advance.
Remember, too, you will be responsible for repairing any damage caused to the service wire during the course of your tree trimming or any other activities.
So having the wire temporarily moved out of your way could guarantee the safety of your wallet as well as your health.
Cleaning Up After Performing Line Clearance Work
When tree trimming is undertaken as part of our routine maintenance program, CWLP is responsible for all waste cleanup and removal.
When trimming must be undertaken in response to an act of God (e.g., removing branches or trees that have fallen onto power lines during a storm), CWLP is not responsible
for waste cleanup and removal. All the utility is required to do is to clear (and, if necessary, repair) the power lines so as to restore service to customers.
The utility also is not responsible for cleanup and removal of any waste created when one of its crews clears a branch away from a customer's service line.