PSC Seeks Public Input on Utility Transmission Line Tree Trimming

ALBANY, NY (08/16/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) instituted a proceeding in April 2010 to consider New York State electric utility transmission right-of-way (ROW) management practices. The Commission invites public comment on the implementation of utility ROW management practices and the contribution of ROW management to the safety and reliability of the State's electric transmission system. In addition, comment is sought on the balancing achieved by these utility practices of the concerns of ratepayers, neighboring property owners, the public, and other interested parties.

Specific questions that the Commission is seeking public comments on can be found in the Notice of Public Statement Hearings issued on August 10, 2010, and available at www.dps.state.ny.us.

Public statement hearings are scheduled as follows:

Rockland County August 23, 2010

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Ramapo Town Hall

237 Route 59

Suffern, NY 10901

Westchester County August 23, 2010

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Yonkers Public Library

Riverfront Library Branch

1 Larkin Center

Yonkers, NY 10701

August 24, 2010

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Greenburgh Public Library

300 Tarrytown Road

Elmsford, NY 10523

Orange County August 24, 2010

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Village of Montgomery Senior Center

36 Bridge Street

Montgomery, NY 12549

Onondaga County September 7, 2010

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Syracuse City Hall

Common Council Chambers

233 East Washington St., 3rd Floor

Syracuse, NY 13210

Albany County September 13, 2010

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Albany Public Library

Main Library

161 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor

Albany, NY 12210

Public Statement Hearings

It is not necessary to make an appointment in advance or present written material to speak at a public statement hearing. Persons will be called to speak after completing a request card. All comments at the hearings will be transcribed and become part of the Commission's formal record. Each hearing will remain open until all persons who wish to comment orally have been heard or other suitable arrangements have been made.

Disabled persons requiring special accommodations may place a collect call to the Department of Public Service's Human Resources Management Office at (518) 474-2520. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711 to reach the Department of Public Service's Human Resources Office at the previously mentioned number.

Other Ways to Comment

Writing: Those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing may comment by e-mail to the Secretary of the Commission at secretary@dps.state.ny.us. Those unable to e-mail may write to Hon. Jaclyn A. Brilling, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12223-1350. Comment should refer to Case 10-E-0155 – Proceeding on Motion of the Commission as to New York State's Electric Utility Transmission Right-of-Way Management Practices.

Toll-Free Opinion Line: Persons wishing to comment may call the Commission's Toll-free Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is set up to take comments about pending cases from in-state callers, 24 hours a day. Callers should press "1" to leave comments and electric utility transmission right-of-way management practices.

Internet: Comment may be made via the "PSC Comment Form" in the "Consumer Assistance" file accessed through the Commission's website at http://www.dps.state.ny.us. Many libraries offer free Internet access.

All comments submitted via one of these alternative means should be submitted or mailed and post-marked not later than September 28, 2010. Please note that the comment period provided in this Notice extends the comment period, otherwise concluded, which was established upon issuance of the initial Order in this proceeding. All statements and comments received will be available at the Commission's website at http://www.dps.state.ny.us, by selecting Commission Documents and entering the case number, 10-E-0155 in Search Commission Case Related Documents, Search for Case/Matter Number.

-30-