ComEd Dispute Resolution and Maintenance FAQ

Dispute Resolution

ComEd recognizes that non-emergency distribution tree and vegetation management activities sometimes create concern because trees near our electrical wires are significantly trimmed or sometimes require removal. The dispute resolution process addresses our customers’ concerns with these activities.

  • Step 1: If your property is scheduled to be trimmed and you have concerns regarding proposed activities, call 1-800-Edison-1 to inform a customer service representative that you wish to be contacted by a vegetation management representative before work is performed.
  • Step 2: The customer service representative will forward your request to the vegetation management department.
  • Step 3: You will be contacted directly to discuss your concerns and be briefed on the resolution process. Some alternatives proposed from prior inquiries include:
    • Relocation of trees by customer identified for trimming or removal
    • Relocation of powerlines at customer expense to avoid future tree-wire contacts
    • Use of a private tree service at customer expense to conduct necessary trimming or removal
  • Step 4: If you and ComEd cannot resolve your concerns, you can utilize the ICC dispute resolution processes, or propose another alternative means to ComEd for its consideration.

Note: ComEd will provide legal basis for the activities, including relevant easements that we are aware of and applicable tariff provisions. The representative will ask you to acknowledge receipt of these materials, as tariff provisions do allow ComEd to recover from customers the costs of improper denial of access to its facilities. To contact a Consumer Affairs Officer of the Illinois Commerce Commission, call 1-800-524-0795.

Maintenance

Scheduled Tree Trimming:

At ComEd, we trim vegetation along powerlines on a routine cycle. We use the Natural Method of Tree Trimming technique, which prevents unsightly sucker growth while meeting the standards of the American National Standards Institute. Our contractors are specially trained to trim trees in close proximity to electrical conductors and are trained in the proper arboricultural techniques.

Rely on a professional:

If you plan to have a tree care professional trim around the wires attached to your house, please contact ComEd at least 5 business days in advance at 1-800-Edison-1. If necessary, we will temporarily de-energize wires during trimming.

Whether you use ComEd contractors or arrange for your own tree care, always leave it to the pros. Tree trimming near electrical wires can be deadly. Only persons trained in the special techniques essential to working safely around energized lines should do so. Touching a branch that is in contact with an energized line can result in injury or death. For your safety, never attempt to trim or remove a tree that is growing near a power line. Instead, call 1-800-Edison-1 and a ComEd representative will advise you on how to get the job done safely.

Right of Way (R.O.W):

Right of Way (R.O.W) is the corridor where electrical towers or wood poles are located. The lines that run along right-of-ways carry the transmission voltage electricity (138 kV – 765 kV). ComEd either has an easement for these lines or the company owns the property where the lines are located.

  • Mowing: In many areas, ComEd mows the grass on the R.O.W. up to five times a year from April to October. The R.O.W. is maintained as field mowing or meadow, not as a lawn or turf area. ComEd does not spray the R.O.W. for broadleaf weeds (Dandelion) or ticks.
  • Restoring the Native Prairie Species: To restore native prairie species to Illinois, ComEd has begun planting native prairie grass on selected R.O.W. The natural vegetation provides a colorful and diverse plant community on the R.O.W. corridor.
  • Dumping is Prohibited: ComEd R.O.W. are private property and dumping of any kind is strictly prohibited. ComEd will prosecute anyone found dumping on R.O.W. property. If you observe illegal dumping, please call 1-800-Edison-1 to report it.

Choose the Right Tree:

When it comes to trimming or prevention, prevention is the preferred method. Utilities are required to do what is necessary to provide safe, reliable, and least-cost electric service. Trimming trees is sometimes the only solution in dangerous situations. The closer a tree grows to high-voltage lines the more pruning is necessary. Only those branches that are likely to be a threat to reliability or safety are pruned.

The ideal way to prevent powerlines and trees from getting in each other’s way is to plant shorter varieties near powerlines. The Morton Arboretum recommends trees and shrubs that grow to 25 feet in height or less, such as Hawthorn, Amur Maple, Ivory Silk Japanese Tree Lilac, Eastern Redbud, Serviceberry and Flowering Crabapples.

Trees that should NOT be planted near powerlines include: Silver Maple, Norway Maple, Sugar Maple, Oak, Bradford Pear, Pine, Sycamore, Ash, Honey Locust, Willow, Linden, and Spruce.