Indiana regulators hear complaints over tree trimming

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - Indiana utility regulators are hearing accounts of drastic tree cutting and rude encounters with contractors clearing limbs away from electric lines.

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in Indianapolis held one in its series of public hearings about the tree-trimming practices of electric utilities.

Pat Easterday of Indianapolis told about being handcuffed by an off-duty police officer when she tried to stop a crew from cutting her trees. But Duke Realty Co. energy manager Mike Gahimer said tree trimming was necessary to ensure uninterrupted electrical service for business and industry.

The next hearing was held in Seymour, followed by Sept. 23 in Merrillville, Sept. 29 in Fort Wayne and Oct. 7 in Evansville.