The Bark Beetle Problem and SCE's Role
Tree Removal Impacts & Safety Tips
Tree Removal on Private Property
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Reimbursements & Claims
- I removed trees from my property after March 12, 2002. Can I get reimbursed for my tree removal costs?
- I previously submitted a Request for Reimbursement form to SCE, but I was notified that my request was denied because my trees were removed prior to April 3, 2003, but on or after March 12, 2002. Do I need to resubmit a Request for Reimbursement form?
- How can I determine if SCE received my reimbursement request?
- How will SCE determine the reimbursement amount I am eligible to receive for removing trees that could have impacted SCE’s electrical lines/facilities?
- How long will it take SCE to process my reimbursement request?
- What steps can I take to have my reimbursement request processed in a timely manner?
- What constitutes a valid invoice?
- I had trees removed on or after March 12, 2002, but no longer have an invoice. What should I do?
- I had bark beetle trees removed after March 12, 2002; however, I don’t have an invoice or a cancelled check. Can I still get reimbursed for trees I removed that could have affected SCE’s electrical facilities?
- I had my tree stump removed. Can I still get reimbursed?
- How much time do I have to submit a request for reimbursement?
- If I submit a request for reimbursement and I remove more trees in the future, am I prevented from receiving reimbursement for the additional trees removed?
- I own multiple properties for which I had trees removed. Can I request reimbursement on one form for all of them?
- Where can I get additional information on the reimbursement process and/or obtain additional forms?
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SCE’s Tree Removal Contractor
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The Bark Beetle Problem & SCE's Role
What is the bark beetle problem all about?
In San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego and Los Angeles counties, hundreds of thousands of trees, weakened by years of drought in mountainous regions, are dead or dying due to widespread infestation by an insect called the bark beetle. On March 7, 2003, an executive order by the governor proclaimed a state of emergency in the three affected counties. A 2005 proclamation extended the emergency 2003 proclamation to affected areas of Los Angeles County. The situation poses a potential hazard to the people and property in the affected communities that we serve, as well as to our facilities. Areas most heavily impacted by the infestation include Idyllwild, Wrightwood, and Lake Arrowhead. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) estimates that more than a million trees already have died. The number of dead trees will continue to increase as the bark beetle infestation spreads.
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Why is SCE concerned about this problem and what is its role?
Dead or dying trees pose a danger to local residents, and dead trees near electrical lines pose a threat to electric service reliability for the affected areas. In April 2003, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) directed SCE and other utilities in the affected counties to take all reasonable and necessary actions to remove trees that could pose safety hazards and cause electric service interruptions by falling on electrical lines. For SCE, that could total more than 350,000 trees. Pursuant to this order, SCE has developed a comprehensive program to remove dead or dying trees in the affected areas within its service territory. The company is committed to performing its work as quickly and safely as possible. The company also is committed to keeping customers and major stakeholders in the affected areas informed of its activities and progress. SCE will also provide useful information to property owners and customers about their roles and responsibilities and how to cope during this long-term tree removal process.
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What is SCE doing about removing the many trees killed by the bark beetle?
While maintaining a commitment to safety and protecting the environment, we will work with government agencies to prioritize tree removals. Because of the scope and complexity of this effort, we are estimating the tree removal work will take years.
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Tree Removal Impacts & Safety Tips
How will SCE’s tree removal efforts impact my community and my electric service?
In order for our tree removal crews to work safely and efficiently, it will be necessary to interrupt or shut down some power lines, in some cases more than once and possibly for more than 24 hours. Additionally, because of all the tree removal work expected in the affected areas, residents will have to deal with road closures, increased traffic and noise, worker vehicles, cranes, equipment, etc., while the work is being completed. We will try to notify you of our work activities so you can plan for them in advance. However, you should always be prepared for power outages because we may not always be able to provide advanced notification.
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What should I do if my electric power goes out?
To better cope with any scheduled or unscheduled power outage, we advise our customers to:
• Check on the medical needs of family and friends.
• Use flashlights. Don’t use candles, which if used improperly, can start fires.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage. A well-filled, unopened freezer will keep food frozen for hours without electricity.
• Turn off all electrical equipment in use at the time of a service interruption, including sensitive electronic components. Leave one light bulb turned on to signal that power has been restored.
• Never connect a portable generator directly to an electrical line. State law requires that customers inform us when a generator is being used at a home or business. Call us at 1-800-655-4555.
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Will customers in the affected communities be notified before planned power outages occur?
We will attempt to notify customers of scheduled tree removals and power outages before work begins. However, it may not be possible to provide advance notification in all instances, particularly in cases involving a significant potential hazard requiring urgent attention.
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Tree Removal on Private Property
Will SCE remove trees on private property?
Yes, we will remove dead or dying trees that could impact our electrical lines, as determined by our inspectors.
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Will SCE send a representative to my property to determine whether dead or dying trees have the ability to damage SCE facilities?
Yes. If you notice newly dead or dying trees on your property that could fall into our electrical lines, please contact us at 1-800-640-3652 so that we can better assess areas currently being attacked by new bark beetle infestations (also known as “flights”). While SCE continues to remove trees based upon the priorities established by the MAST, your input will help us identify those areas where the bark beetles are currently active.
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What is meant by the reference to "trees that could impact our electrical lines?"
Any tree or any part of a tree that could fall into our electrical lines is a tree that could impact our lines. For example, the top portion of a 100-foot-tall tree rooted 70 feet from one of our electrical lines could fall right through the lines in a wind storm.
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Should I wait to have SCE remove dead or dying trees on my property that can impact your electrical lines/facilities?
Removing dead or dying trees ahead of the priority schedule established by the various agencies involved is a personal decision each property owner must make. We encourage property owners who elect to remove trees to use only licensed and qualified tree removal contractors to perform this work.
Customers who want us to temporarily drop electrical service wires between a pole and a dwelling or structure while having trees removed should call 1-800-640-3652. There is no charge for this service, but we need a minimum notice of five business days. If you observe a tree in contact with an electrical line that is strung between power poles, please call us.
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How do I find a qualified arborist?
There are qualified arborists listed in the Yellow Pages and at reputable nurseries. The best way to ensure that you are dealing with a licensed arborist tree removal company is to contact the state licensing board at 1-800-321-2752 or www.cslb.ca.gov to confirm the company's license number and length of professional experience.
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How will I know which trees SCE will remove?
SCE continually compiles an inventory of all dead or dying trees that are taller than their horizontal distance from our facilities. We are removing the trees based upon priorities set by the Mountain Area Safety Taskforce (MAST), a coalition of local, state and federal agencies working with us to combat the bark beetle problem. Usually within two weeks of a tree removal, an SCE representative will attempt to notify properly owners or residents to inform them about tree removals. If no one is home, a door hanger will be left with the name and phone number of the SCE representative who marked the trees.
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When will SCE remove the trees on my property?
A tree removal schedule has been developed based on the removal priorities established by the MAST. SCE’s current tree removal schedule is now posted on the MAST Web site at www.calmast.org/mast. The schedule was created in conjunction with the MAST and is based upon priorities established by the MAST.
To determine when an address is slated for tree removal by SCE, follow these steps at the MAST Web site:
- Click on both the “Address Finder” bar at the top left of the MAST page, and the small “Identify” bar at the top center.
- Type an address in the address box provided.
- Click the “Find Address” button.
- A map will appear to the right with a red star designating the address. Click on the red star.
- A pop-up box should appear providing a month and year when tree removal is currently scheduled to begin for the address.
Visitors to the site must use Internet Explorer 5.5 or a newer version of the Web browser in order to view the schedule. They also must enter an exact address when querying the site for a schedule. Mistakenly entering a street for a lane, for example, will fail to produce a schedule time.
Please note that the current schedule is subject to change due to factors beyond SCE’s control—such as changes in the MAST priorities, weather conditions, road closures or other factors. We will attempt to notify customers before work begins, but it may not be possible to provide advance notification in all instances, especially in cases involving a significant potential hazard requiring urgent attention.
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I recently observed an SCE contractor trimming limbs from some dead or dying trees. Why were the trees only trimmed and not removed?
In some cases, we initially will remove limbs hanging over our electrical lines to minimize the chance of limbs being blown into the wires and possibly starting a fire. At a later date, our crews will return to the site to remove the remainder of the trees.
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Why are your foresters videotaping or filming my trees?
Though it may appear that way, our foresters really aren’t videotaping or filming trees. What you are seeing are foresters using instruments to calculate and measure the height of trees and their distance from our electrical lines, as part of our inventory process. This must be done if we are to accurately identify and remove those dead or dying trees that could impact our electrical lines.
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How do I get on the list to have my trees that will impact SCE electrical lines removed by SCE?
You really don’t have to do anything. Your trees will be included in the inventory we are conducting of all trees in the affected bark beetle areas.
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How long will it take SCE to remove all of the trees that could impact its lines?
We expect this effort to take years to complete.
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Will SCE replace the trees it removes?
Our primary focus is reducing the potential hazards posed by so many dead and dying trees threatening our electrical lines. However, we are willing and able to assist community and agency programs in identifying the types of trees that could be replanted near electrical lines in the affected areas. For those customers planning to plant trees, we prefer to see more small-stature trees in the developed areas around our facilities. Any replanting should be done according to the recommendations of state and federal foresters. For information on the best types of trees to plant around electrical lines, go to the tree trimming section of www.sce.com.
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I just received a notice of a planned outage in my neighborhood. The timing is not good for me. How do I get it changed?
That won’t be possible, since SCE coordinates its tree removal efforts with local, state, and federal agencies. We will work as quickly as possible to minimize the inconvenience.
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Why won’t SCE remove all of my trees?
On April 3, 2003, the CPUC ordered SCE to remove only those trees that pose a potential hazard to our electrical lines. Due to the hundreds of thousands of trees to be removed and strict removal schedules, our crews are not able to remove trees that do not pose a threat to our electrical lines.
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When SCE crews are on my property removing trees that could impact its electrical lines, can you remove my other trees if I pay for the removal?
For the reasons stated in the previous answer, we cannot work out such arrangements. You will need to secure the tree trimming and removal services of an experienced, qualified arborist.
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Does SCE’s removal of trees on private property relieve the property owner of any responsibility or legal obligation before the tree is removed?
No. Property owners continue to be responsible for their trees in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
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What is SCE’s role in San Bernardino County's Block Tree Removal Program?
San Bernardino County’s Block Tree Removal Program helps citizens remove dead or dying trees on their property infested by the bark beetle. Funded through federal grants, the program’s "block coordinators" identify specific groups of properties needing bark beetle-infested dead or dying trees removed. After the block coordinators notify SCE of where they have inspected, we identify those dead or dying trees that could fall into our electrical lines. We schedule for removal the trees we are responsible for, and the county's block coordinators, on behalf of the property owners, obtain the lowest bids for the removal of the remaining dead or dying trees. After a property owner accepts the lowest bids obtained by the county and signs a contract, the tree removals are scheduled.
To learn more about the Block Tree Removal Program or to seek help in finding a qualified tree removal company, please call the San Bernardino County Fire Dept. at (909) 337-1225.
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What will SCE do with trees it removes?
We will dispose of all timber and residue quickly and efficiently. If possible, the timber will be sold to offset the costs of removing the trees. Given the current low price for wood and the expected glut resulting from the bark beetle infestation, the proceeds from timber sales won't begin to pay the cost of cutting and removing trees.
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Would SCE leave the felled wood on my property for firewood if I ask?
No, we will not be leaving felled wood behind. Any felled dead wood would be kindling and would represent a potential hazard.
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Reimbursements & Claims
I removed trees from my property after March 12, 2002. Can I get reimbursed for my tree removal costs?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has authorized SCE to reimburse eligible property owners who removed bark beetle-infested trees after March 12, 2002, that could have fallen into SCE’s overhead electrical facilities.
March 12, 2002,modifies the previous reimbursement eligibility date of April 3, 2003. This new date corresponds to the date Riverside County declared a state of emergency because of the bark beetle infestation. Riverside County’s declaration was the earlier of the bark beetle emergency declarations made by Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The previous reimbursement eligibility date of April 3, 2003, corresponds to the date the CPUC ordered SCE and other utilities to take all reasonable steps to identify and remove dead, dying or diseased trees threatening electric utility lines.
The following guidelines must be complied with when submitting a request for tree removal reimbursement:
- Complete the Request for Reimbursement form and attach copies of invoice(s) with payment terms. If you no longer have a copy of your invoice and cannot obtain one from your contractor, photocopies of the front and back of the cancelled check used to pay the contractor who removed eligible trees that could have affected SCE’s electrical facilities is acceptable. Although not a requirement, including a sketch of the subject property detailing reference points to existing structures in relation to the eligible trees removed will facilitate the reimbursement process.
- Mail the completed Request for Reimbursement form and all other pertinent documentation to the SCE Bark Beetle Office, P.O. Box 9090, Redlands, CA 92373.
- If you have multiple addresses where eligible trees were removed that could have affected SCE’s overhead electrical facilities, you must submit a separate reimbursement form for each address.
- Please be sure to include your current mailing address and contact phone number on each Request for Reimbursement form submitted.
A copy of SCE’s Request for Reimbursement form and the Guidelines for Reimbursement document are available on SCE’s Web site at www.sce.com/barkbeetle. Click on “Tree Trimming & Removal,” then “Reimbursement Forms,” or you can call 1-800-640-3652 to request the documents.
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I previously submitted a Request for Reimbursement form to SCE, but I was notified that my request was denied because my trees were removed prior to April 3, 2003, but on or after March 12, 2002. Do I need to resubmit a Request for Reimbursement form?
For those who previously submitted a Request for Reimbursement form and were rejected because the trees had been removed prior to the original effective date, please do not resubmit your paperwork. We have reviewed our records and are currently evaluating all previous requests that were rejected due to the tree removal date. Soon you will receive a post card in the mail acknowledging receipt of your request. If you do not receive a post card within two weeks, or if your current mailing address has changed, please contact us at 1-800-640-3652.
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How can I determine if SCE received my reimbursement request?
After SCE receives a Request for Reimbursement form, SCE will send the property owner a post card notifying them of its receipt.
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How will SCE determine the reimbursement amount I am eligible to receive for removing trees that could have impacted SCE’s electrical lines/facilities?
For tree removal work that meets our guidelines, property owners will be reimbursed for either their actual tree removal costs or SCE's average tree removal costs--whichever is lower. SCE's average cost will be determined based on a variety of factors, including height of tree, diameter of tree at breast height, location of tree on property, accessibility to the tree, and the need for special equipment such as a crane. You should be aware that due to the large volume of trees SCE is removing, our average tree removal cost may be lower than what an individual property owner might have to pay to remove a tree.
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How long will it take SCE to process my reimbursement request?
Our goal is to process tree removal reimbursement requests within 90 days of receipt of a completed Request for Reimbursement form and all required documentation. Once a reimbursement request is deemed complete, SCE will send a trained forest technician to the property where trees were removed to determine the size and location of the trees, based on the remaining tree stumps, and verify that the trees could have impacted SCE's electrical lines/facilities. However, the reimbursement process could take longer, depending upon circumstances. Please note that the 90-day processing period will not start until SCE has received all required documentation.
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What steps can I take to have my reimbursement request processed in a timely manner?
Fill out and submit completed Request for Reimbursement form(s) and provide a copy of any and all applicable invoices and any other required documentation. Unfortunately, SCE must return to you any incomplete reimbursement requests received and will ask that you resubmit your reimbursement request together with all required information and/or documentation. Please note that incomplete reimbursement requests will delay the processing of your reimbursement request.
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What constitutes a valid invoice?
SCE requires that the contractor invoice show the date the eligible trees were removed, the number of trees removed, the diameter at breast height for each tree removed, the removal cost per tree, the date full payment is or was due, and the tree removal method used (if available). If no tree removal method is given, SCE will use its best judgment to determine the method used to remove the trees. SCE will not accept an estimate, bid, proposal, or contract as an invoice.
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I had trees removed on or after March 12, 2002, but no longer have an invoice. What should I do?
SCE cannot process a Request for Reimbursement form without an invoice for the tree removal costs. If you do not have an invoice, contact your contractor for a duplicate copy of the invoice. If you are unable to get a copy of the invoice, please provide a copy of both sides of the cancelled check used to pay the invoice and information on the terms of payment for each tree removed that could have fallen into SCE’s electrical facilities, including the number of trees removed, the diameter at breast height for each tree removed, the size of each tree, the removal cost per tree and the tree removal method used (if available). If you have multiple addresses where trees were removed, you must submit a separate reimbursement request for each address.
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I had bark beetle trees removed after March 12, 2002; however, I don’t have an invoice or a cancelled check. Can I still get reimbursed for trees I removed that could have affected SCE’s electrical facilities?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to process your reimbursement request without the required documentation as detailed in SCE’s Guidelines for Reimbursement which the CPUC authorized. If you do not provide SCE with (1) a completed Request for Reimbursement form and (2) either an eligible invoice or photocopies of the front and back of the cancelled check used to pay the contractor who removed the eligible trees, you will not be eligible for reimbursement.
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I had my tree stump removed. Can I still get reimbursed?
If the tree stump is gone, SCE is unable to independently determine the height, size and location of the removed tree(s); SCE would need additional documentation to determine the eligibility status of the tree(s). SCE must receive from your tree contractor documentation in the form of a letter indicating the date the tree and stump were removed, the number of trees removed, the estimated height of the tree(s), the diameter at breast height of the tree(s), the tree removal method used (if available) and the specific location of the tree(s) on the property. In addition, SCE will need a sketch of the property with reference points to existing structures in relation to the removed tree(s). It is essential that the sketch indicate the specific distances between existing structures and the removed tree(s).
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How much time do I have to submit a request for reimbursement?
The request for reimbursement for trees removed between March 12, 2002, and April 3, 2003, needs to be submitted within 90 days of the date of this letter.
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If I submit a request for reimbursement and I remove more trees in the future, am I prevented from receiving reimbursement for the additional trees removed?
No, SCE will reimburse you for all eligible trees you remove on or after March 12, 2002, as long as the CPUC continues to authorize reimbursement payments.
However, a request for reimbursement for trees removed between March 12, 2002, and April 3, 2003, needs to be submitted within 90 days of the date of this letter. Please make sure to note on any subsequent request form(s) that you previously submitted a request for reimbursement for the same property.
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I own multiple properties for which I had trees removed. Can I request reimbursement on one form for all of them?
No, in order to properly process your reimbursement requests, you must submit a separate Request for Reimbursement form for each address.
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Where can I get additional information on the reimbursement process and/or obtain additional forms?
For further information about the reimbursement process or to obtain additional forms visit SCE’s Web site at www.sce.com/barkbeetle or call 1-800-640-3652.
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SCE’s Tree Removal Contractor
Who is Southern California Edison’s contractor for tree removals in the bark beetle-infested areas?
Southern California Edison’s contractor for tree removals is Phillips & Jordan (P&J), a Knoxville, Tennessee-based general and specialty contractor with more than 50 years of experience and a worldwide reputation. P&J was named the National Civil Works Construction Contractor of the Year 2002 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for its performance as a prime contractor for the World Trade Center Forensic Recovery Operation following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. P&J has standing contracts for disaster recovery work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 21 states, including California.
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How was Phillips & Jordan (P&J) chosen as Southern California Edison’s contractor for tree removals in the bark beetle-infested areas?
We solicited bids from 37 contractors to remove trees. Fifteen contractors submitted proposals. All were evaluated on a technical and commercial basis. A contract was awarded to P&J because of its proven track record and its extremely competitive bid.
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