PUCO, not courts, have final say in tree-removal issues, says Ohio Supreme Court

COLUMBUS — An Ohio Supreme Court decision that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio has exclusive jurisdiction in tree-removal disputes in electric utility easements on homeowners’ property will deprive homeowners of their day in court, a local lawyer said.

“I’m very surprised and disappointed,” said Atty. Raymond DeLost, who is embroiled in a legal battle with Ohio Edison Co., whose tree-cutters chopped down 14 white pine trees last summer in its easement in the backyard of DeLost’s Struthers residence.

“Landowners can no longer go to court and get their cases heard in a court of law before a judge and a jury,” DeLost said. “Instead, you have to file a complaint with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio,” in Columbus, where such a filing would be inconvenient and cost-prohibitive for most homeowners, he added.