Community Calls For Tree Trimming Negotiations

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Community members and leaders call for negotiations on tree trimming in their neighborhoods. SCE&G officials respond. In an unprecedented joining of forces, community organizations and neighborhood leaders demand that South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G) negotiate a Tree Trimming Policy with elected officials. They claim such an agreement will find the balance between protecting trees, neighborhood character and property values with the task of providing reliable electric service. Dozens of protesters converged in the Shandon area of downtown Columbia Monday to express their concerns. They say the utility company is over-cutting trees. However, the company says its five-year cycle for tree-trimming provides safety and reliability. Such maintenance, utility officials say, has led to an 89% decrease in the number of power outages caused by vegetation in the areas where trees were properly cut.