Utilities Say State Laws Inhibit Tree Trimming

Executive Councilors are pressing the Public Utilities Commission on its response to the October snow storm that paralyzed much of New Hampshire, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

From the Union Leader story:

"In its own report on its handling of the October northeaster, PSNH noted 'a common misunderstanding is that PSNH and its professional contractors can trim and cut whatever and whenever the need arises, and that more could have been done to prevent the outages associated.'"

Click here to read NH RSA 231:172 on state regulations regarding tree trimming.

Click here to read NH RSA 231:157 on how those regulations are affected by designated scenic roads

To listen to the minutes of the Nov. 30 meeting, find an audio link here through the NH Secretary of State website.

In addition to Gov. John Lynch and his Executive Council members, those in attendance included: Fred Anderson of NH Electric Coop; Chris Hodgdon, of Comcast; Tim Horn of National Grid; Bob Schoenberger, of Unitil New Hampshire; Patrick McHugh of FairPoint; and Chris Pope, director of homeland security for the state.

Back in November, we polled our Nashua Patch readers, who overwhelmingly agreed that the state should consider more aggressive tree trimming. We're reviving that poll for your voting pleasure today.