Regulating Utilities' Tree Trimming

The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor's testimony recommended that the IURC establish uniform vegetation-management standards for all electric utility companies under its jurisdiction. The OUCC represents utility customers.

Area residents of Fort Wayne, Indiana spoke at the public hearing to a panel consisting of IURC Commissioner David E. Ziegner, Administrative Law Judge Aaron Schmoll and Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor David Stippler, (OUCC). About 60 people attended. The hearing is one of six in the state to accept sworn testimony from consumers regarding tree-trimming practices by all electric utility companies under IURC jurisdiction, including the five major investor-owned companies - Duke Energy Indiana, I&M, Indianapolis Power and Light Co., Northern Indiana Public Service Co. (NIPSCO), and Vectren Energy Delivery. The IURC began its investigation in April.

Thirteen state utility companies, including those five, lobbyist Charles H. Goodman, and Stippler filed direct testimony and exhibits addressing matters to the IURC on Aug. 19 ?EUR??,,????'?????<