Eversource Adopts 'No Knock' Policy For Tree Trimming

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Eversource Energy has tweaked its tree trimming process with a "No Knock, No Hang" policy to fall in line with coronavirus precautions.

"With trees being the No. 1 cause of power outages, tree trimming along roads remains an integral part of Eversource's commitment to providing reliable power to customers year-round," Eversouce officials said.

But things are different.

Operating under its "pandemic plan," the energy company's licensed arborists and tree contractors are obtaining customer consent for any tree work on private property using phone calls, e-mails or texts, rather than knocking on doors or leaving behind permission paperwork, officials said.

"With the critical need for social distancing during this pandemic, we’ve modified our policies to keep our customers, employees and contractors safe," said Eversource Vegetation Management Manager Alan Carey. “Tree trimming and removal is essential work to ensure electric reliability for our customers. We’re now using technology to communicate with customers to get the required permission to do necessary tree work on private property.”

In 2020, Eversource is spending more than $83 million on tree trimming and tree removal in Connecticut. The energy company's tree maintenance program is under way along roads in several communities around the state in an effort to "fortify the electric distribution system."

Eversource's arborists collaborate with town tree wardens.

All Eversource tree contractors carry energy company identification, will never seek to enter a private residence, and there is no cost to the property owner for the work, officials said.

See rthe video below outlining the program.

For more details on Eversource's vegetation management program, visit Eversource.com.