Tree and overhead cables. company refuse to cut back

he1en_2

I have a large willow tree that has grown way up around the overhead electricity cables. Southern electric have trimmed it back in the past but now they refuse as they say trees are no longer their responsibility.

Checked with my insurance company, they only cover damage to my property, not power lines or neighbours property.
Does anyone have any experience of this ?

Any advice ?

Can the company just change their responsibility without telling us ?
Can I get them to remove the cable ?

I imagine this will cost a fortune

lemontart

who's tree is it, and not likely to move cables with out charge

spiro

he1en wrote: »

I have a large willow tree

That wording implies it is your tree and therefore your responsibility. Previously as a national company they may have done this free of charge, as the DNOs are now regulated and their costs controlled by OFGEM I suspect this is an ongoing expense they dont want.

jalexa

he1en wrote: »

I have a large willow tree that has grown way up around the overhead electricity cables. Southern electric have trimmed it back in the past but now they refuse as they say trees are no longer their responsibility.

Do you know what voltage it is and whether or not the cable is insulated? If you do not know ask Southern Electric to inform you in writing.

he1en_2

I know it's double insulated as the neighbours had that issue when they built an extension.

2 years ago when I got on to them to request a trim, they put it off by saying the tree wasn't high enough. Surely they should have to inform us when they change the rules

stewie_griffin

I've been able to find info on tree trimming on other distribution companies websites (Western Power Distribution and UK Power Networks) so I'm surprised SSE don't offer this service as well. Have you tried contacting their complaints department?

http://www.ssepd.co.uk/Complaints/

tinkle

It's not their tree - it's yours. So I imagine they have no obligation to cut/trim it unless it is causing them a problem. I'm sure you could ask them to switch off the power while you get a private tree surgeon in to do the work - however I am unsure if they'd charge for this, as it would probably affect more than just you if they had to switch off the supply.

Torry_Quine

he1en wrote: »

I have a large willow tree that has grown way up around the overhead electricity cables. Southern electric have trimmed it back in the past but now they refuse as they say trees are no longer their responsibility.

Checked with my insurance company, they only cover damage to my property, not power lines or neighbours property.
Does anyone have any experience of this ?

Any advice ?

Can the company just change their responsibility without telling us ?
Can I get them to remove the cable ?

I imagine this will cost a fortune

Not exactly the same problem but this may be of interest. Neighbours of ours had a large tree and the branches were affecting the BT phone line. They fixed the problem the first time but said that if it occured again they would be responsible for any costs to repair the line. They subsequently got someone in to cut the tree down.

lemontart

http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/the-law-on-trees-153989.pdf

just read this it would appear that if they so wish they can do it but could bill you for it as the tree is your responsibility or of course you could take ownership of the problem and deal with it.

and here http://www.letsgogardening.co.uk/I_Laws.htm

All the distributors are currently in talks with ofgem for their price controls that come into effect in 2013 which is basically wanting to do more for less so sse are bound to be looking at every penny they spend and where to cut (excuse pun)

SSE_2

Hello,

Sorry to hear you are having these problems. I would be happy to get someone from our distribution business to contact you to discuss all your options. If you would like me to do this please email me your details to the address posted on our profile page.

Thanks, Holly

tinkle

he1en wrote: »

I have a large willow tree that has grown way up around the overhead electricity cables. Southern electric have trimmed it back in the past but now they refuse as they say trees are no longer their responsibility.

Checked with my insurance company, they only cover damage to my property, not power lines or neighbours property.
Does anyone have any experience of this ?

Any advice ?

Can the company just change their responsibility without telling us ?
Can I get them to remove the cable ?

I imagine this will cost a fortune

Did you get a reply from the sse rep?