MI HB4361

Electric utilities in Michigan are authorized to trim trees "from the ground to the sky" around power lines to reduce costs or improve transmission and distribution line reliability.

Utilities may maintain vegetation clearance of up to 15 feet from the outermost portion of electricity-conducting wires, or whatever distance is deemed necessary to improve reliability.

These new vegetation management provisions override any existing laws, administrative rules, or commission orders that may impose different standards.

The bill amends Section 10p of the Public Service Commission Act (1939 PA 3), which also governs electric utility worker transition programs, service quality standards, and reliability requirements.