I have a tree on my property that is near AEP Ohio power lines, and I'm not sure what to do. Please explain when I should use the online form to report a tree problem, when I should call 911 or AEP Ohio's Customer Solutions Center, and clarify AEP Ohio's policy regarding trimming or removing trees near the service line that runs from the pole to my house.
Navigate to 'aepohio.com'. Click on the 'Outages' dropdown in the main navigation. Click on the 'Tree Problem' link within the 'Report Other Problems' section of the 'Outages' dropdown. Identify the conditions under which the online form should be used for non-emergency tree trimming or removal requests. Identify the conditions under which 911 or the Customer Solutions Center (800-672-2231) should be called immediately for safety hazards. Determine AEP Ohio's policy on maintaining trees and brush around the service line from the pole to the house, and what a customer should do if they hire a private contractor for this. Synthesize all collected information into a concise answer.
The agent successfully navigates to the 'Report Tree Problem' page. The agent states that the online form should be used for non-emergency tree trimming or removal requests, and notes that AEP Ohio will not trim or remove trees strictly to protect private property. The agent states that 911 or the Customer Solutions Center (800-672-2231) should be called immediately for safety hazards such as downed lines, downed poles, trees/branches on or broken power lines, sparking/smoking power lines, or exposed wires. The agent states that AEP Ohio does not maintain trees and brush around the service line (from the pole to the house). The agent states that if a customer hires a private tree contractor to trim or remove trees near the service line, they should call 800-672-2231 to schedule a time for a crew to disconnect the service line.