There was a branch resting on a wire in front of the house next door to me a while back, and I posted about it on SeeClickFix:
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/10541

"Eddie" saw my post and called UI about it. The UI truck arrived within two hours, maybe faster, and removed the branch. Here's what Eddie said to do if it happens again:

"When this happens, you should call 1-800-7-CALL-UI (1-800-722-5584). Hit "1" (report an outage), then "2" to report a service emergency. There will be a recorded message, but you'll have the option to stay on the line and eventually you'll be forwarded to a dispatcher."

UI monitors this site. However, it is not an official reporting channel and therefore it is not the best way to report problems with UI equipment -- particularly service emergencies that require immediate attention. Calling the number above is the best way to ensure that your issue is resolved.

Still an issue. I gave homeowner the number to UI but he must not have called yet or they did not do anything. I'll stop by and check with him again.

The beauty of using something like SCF as the citizen interface with the various agencies - public and private - responsible for keeping our city safe and vibrant then places like UI have to also adopt it. I think it is LUDICROUS to force citizens to try to navigate the convoluted paths of our governance systems on their own. Especially when the people running and supporting that system often can't do it. It is far better to have a place where you toss up your issue and those with the power/responsibility to 'fix' it are notified, coordinated and get it done. This way I only have to have one thing to remember as my reporting channel. It also allows us to aggregate better similar issues in relative locations to look for trends. Further it gives us a single place to compile and store issues reported and their resolutions so that we can monitor the effectiveness our our governance systems.

In other words, I shouldn't have to try to figure out whether this tree is a UI or Public Works or Parks Dept problem. To me it's a tree on the lines in front of a house. If it falls on the lines then a lot of us will be out of power, property will be damaged and (god forbid) someone is hurt. I really don't have the time to hunt around for numbers or deal with the standard bureaucratic run around one often gets in the quest for satisfaction or relief. That frustrates citizens and causes them to disengage, become bitter and abandon their individual roles in the governance of our city.

(Hmmm... maybe I should have posted this rant on the blog not here. Sorry.) I'll give the homeowner the number to UI.

My experience is that UI will only trim branches that impact the electric line, and not the branches that are impacting phone and cable lines - and it took them 3-4 months to get to me in West Haven. Phone company still hasn't responded to get someone out to trim the lines.

Still there but hasn't fallen so must be strong enough.