

Aerial trimming is faster and more efficient in hard-to-access areas, such as rural, hilly or swampy terrain. It allows crews to safely clear many miles of right of way in a short amount of time, helping reduce outages and improve reliability.
Safety is our top priority. Pilots are trained and certified in utility vegetation management, and aerial saws are used only in controlled areas. Flight paths are carefully planned to ensure the safety of people, animals, and property.
Stump removal is not part of the tree removal process
Stumps will be cut as close to the ground as permitted by conditions and property owner agreements
“Made safe” refers to cutting a tree below line level so that, if it falls or the remaining portion is removed, it will not come into contact with any line structures, including electric, telephone, or cable lines.
Once a tree has been made safe, no cleanup is performed. All resulting debris will remain on your property.
Please do not remove any identification ribbons that may be placed on your trees or bushes until crews have completed the necessary work.
When our Vegetation Management team identifies vegetation on your property that requires attention, you will see a colored ribbon tied to it. These ribbons allow us to identify the work that will be performed.
SCI REMC maintains a Wildlife Enhancement Program that fosters various native species in our service territory. We even use a proprietary wildlife seed mix in our rights-of-ways to enhance the wildlife population
SCI REMC will make every effort to notify members before any work is performed on their property. Notifications may be sent by postcard, bill inserts, mailed notices, or other forms of communication.
All vegetation management work is provided at no additional cost to members. Upon request and based on availability, we can also arrange to leave free wood chips at your home.


Ideally, a clear right-of-way is free of trees, limbs, and brush within 15 feet on either side of the centerline formed by the utility poles. Creating and maintaining this open path requires a careful, considerate approach. We place a high value on the health and appearance of the trees, and ornamental varieties are never removed without prior permission.
Tree trimming is performed when limbs come within 10 feet of the neutral or phase wires. Throughout the process, we trim with attention to symmetry and the tree’s natural form to preserve both safety and beauty.
Learn the steps SCI REMC takes when restoring power.
When a power line is down, whether on a tree or in the middle of the road, always assume it's active. Learn more about safety with downed lines
Indiana 211 is a free service that connects Hoosiers with help and answers from thousands of health and human service agencies and resources right in their local communities—quickly, easily and confidentially. There are no eligibility requirements, income standards nor any other rules.
There are many ways that you can start preparing for outages. Learn more on how to be safe when the power goes out.
Generators can be a great help during power outages, but they can be dangerous if not used properly. Learn how to use them safely and find out which type of generator is best for your home.
Understanding Utility Poles and Replacing Them
During severe storms, parts of utility poles can break—or the entire pole may snap. Learn about the different parts of a utility pole and the process our crews follow to replace them safely and efficiently.
Kenneth Sebastian of Spencer has been an SCI REMC member for 35 years. He and his wife Judy have been married for 31 years and have 2 children.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University (1982)
Credited Cooperative Director (CCD)
Current and/or Previous Work Experience:
Farmer (1981-present)
Leadership Roles:
Director of Western Indiana Credit Union (1995-present)
Owen County Farm Bureau Board Member (1996–2015)
Lafayette Township Board Member (1996-present)
Community Involvement/Interests:
Firefighter at Patricksburg Volunteer Fire Department (1997-present)
Owen County Plan Commission (2022-present)
What would be your priority or goal if elected on SCI REMC’s Board of Directors?
My priority if re-elected to the SCI REMC Board of Directors would be representing the interests of the members. My goals would include continuing to provide safe, reliable, affordable electricity and broadband service to my fellow members. I would also prioritize continuing my education about electric cooperatives in order to best serve our members with educated knowledge and leadership.
What role should SCI REMC play in supporting the communities we serve beyond providing electric and internet service?
SCI REMC should be more than just a provider of electricity and internet – it should be a partner in building a stronger, more resilient community. SCI REMC is currently doing this through Operation RoundUp with grants to support nonprofits, fire departments, food banks, and other vital services that improve the quality of life for our members. SCI REMC also supports youth with scholarships and by sponsoring students for a trip to Washington, D.C..
How would you stay connected to the concerns and ideas of the members you represent throughout your term?
I would stay connected to the concerns and ideas of the members I represent by being accessible by phone, email and in-person. I am an active member of the community and would be available to members at various events such as the county fair, legislative breakfasts, town meetings, etc. I would be responsive by making sure members’ voices shape the decisions I make on the board.