Indiana creates new rules on utility tree-trimming

Indiana property owners are getting a chance to object before utilities start trimming trees on their property.

The Times of Northwest Indiana reported that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission signed off this week on new tree-trimming rules due to become final this fall.

The new rules require Indiana utilities to provide at least two notices to owners two weeks before the scheduled trimming. The property owner can object to the trimming and force the utility to postpone any work until a settlement is reached.

Regulators spent three years investigating the issue and holding public hearings before siding with property owners. Presiding Commissioner David Ziegner says it's the first time Indiana property owners will be allowed to intervene with utilities before tree-trimming.