Tree Trimming Improves Service

By Gary Glover, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer — Electric Operations

We work hard to avoid power outages. They are disruptive for you, your neighbors and create added work for us. One important way we prevent power outages is to keep trees off power lines. We do this by proactively maintaining our right-of-way through vegetation management.

Right-of-way (ROW) is the land we use to construct, maintain, replace or repair power lines. This land is often found on private property however, the cooperative has the right and responsibility to maintain it. ROW access is critical for us to keep your power on all of the time. Our right-of-way crews remove trees, branches and other obstructions that can hinder power line installation, maintenance or operation.

Clearing the ROW includes cutting, mowing, and spraying 15 feet on either side of a single-phase line and 20 feet on either side of a three-phase line. It also requires we maintain a safe distance around our electric facilities. In certain situations, we use herbicides to control unwanted weeds, brush, and trees from rights-of-way. When doing so we practice precision application and use buffer zones to provide an extra measure of precaution. Vegetation management benefits our members in three important ways. It improves safety, supports reliability, and reduces overall cost.

Safety

Safety is our number one priority. We know that trees touching power lines pose a grave danger to all. Our proactive approach to vegetation management reduces the chances of trees falling on power lines during severe weather events. Be sure everyone in your household knows to stay far away from downed power lines. It is important to assume a downed power line is energized and dangerous. This also includes any objects touching the power lines.

Reliability

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of a smart vegetation management program is reliability. Strategic tree trimming reduces the frequency of downed lines causing power outages. Generally speaking, healthy trees don’t fall on power lines, and power lines cleared of hazards don’t cause outages problems. Proactive trimming keeps lines clear and promotes reliability.

Affordability

As a member-owned cooperative, we strive to keep our costs in check. This extends to our approach toward vegetation management. If trees grow too close to power lines, the potential for expensive repairs also increases. Effective tree trimming and other vegetation management efforts keep costs down for everyone.

Vegetation management helps us keep power lines clear, prepare for future weather events and secure the reliability of the grid.