Mar 5, 2024
Clearing the path to reliability by Anne Prince
Trees are majestic, beautiful and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to homes and businesses. Electric cooperatives strive to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.
Reliability
Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.
In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and they better prepare us for severe weather events.
Safety
Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about the safety of our members and our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree. Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation and makes it more complicated for lineworkers to restore power. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events.
If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.
When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 feet or smaller) should be planted at least 25 feet from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 feet) should be planted at least 50 feet from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 feet from the transformer door and 4 feet from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.
We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.
Anne Prince writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
