Just over a month ago, several residents in Binghamton’s west side were upset about the trimming of trees performed by NYSEG. On Tuesday, NYSEG held a community feedback session in the Binghamton High School cafeteria. The company both accepted comments from the public and went over future plans. NYSEG says that about 26 miles have been trimmed in the city so far, with a few more miles left to go. They plan on working on a cycle where trimming is only required every five years, so the effects aren’t quite as drastic. They also explained on Tuesday that because of storms in the past, like Superstorm Sandy, new regulations have to be followed, and trees need to be cut back 10 feet from the power lines, as opposed to five feet. While many residents found the practice of trimming the trees made their community less attractive, the trimming remains a necessity. NYSEG says they are talking with the city to discuss regulating which types of trees can be planted around power lines in order to have less interference with the wires, and less trimming.
