ddhlakebound
Addicted to ArboristSite
Yes, sadly its a little tough for us guys to get ahold of the right number and get it done. That's why I suggested one tell the homeowner ( a paying customer to the power co.) to make the call and demand the service.
I think as service proffesionals we deserve covered wires. I gave up trying to " sneak" through those jobs.
I feel for you guys who can't/won't/don't get the utility to do their part by keeping hv lines clear, covered, or de-energized.
I use the utility 10-15 times every year, either to take down lv service drops, or to perform a make safe on anything within 10' of hv. I've got the number on speed dial to go to the utilities forestry division, and they WANT to help. For free.
The longest I've ever had to wait was a job this spring, and communications got crossed up as part of it, but it was 5-6 weeks from the initial call till they cut the tree back 10' from the lines. Normally it takes a week or two to get whatever I need them to do done.
To me, anybody who is intentionally putting themselves and their crew at risk by assuming the responsibility of clearing HV lines without a utility contract is very foolish.
It's simple. If you are not QUALIFIED and AUTHORIZED, stay the hell away from HV. If the utility won't do anything to fulfill their responsibility, MAKE THEM. It would be well worth a few hundred bucks worth of lawyer correspondence to have them doing their job. I honestly very much doubt that it would ever get to needing a lawyer to write some letters. Find out who's in charge of the division you need help from and get them on the phone. I really find it hard to believe that there are utilities out there who refuse to be responsible for their right of way.
Or just refuse the job.
But just assuming the liability and responsibility without documenting the refusal of the utility to fulfill their responsibility, is crazy.