There is a verse in the song “Memories,” recorded most notably by Elvis Presley and Andy Williams, that goes, “Quiet thoughts come floating down and settle softly to the ground.” The imagery seems especially relevant as this year’s spring planting season arrives, given that what settled to the ground just a few short weeks ago was snow and ice that wreaked havoc on the region’s electric distribution systems. Winter Storm Fern caused extensive damage, bringing down literally thousands of trees and tree limbs, and underscored the need to keep power line rights of way clear of growth.
Community Electric Cooperative is encouraging its member-owners to heed right of way requirements as they undertake spring planting of shrubs and trees. Trees growing too close to power lines and distribution equipment account for a significant percentage of service interruptions. Trees and vegetation within the right of way:
- Cause power outages and lights to flicker
- Obstruct visual inspections, making repairs difficult and costly
- Block access and cause maintenance and repair delays
- Waste electricity by drawing it into the ground
- Become a fire hazard, and
- Become a safety hazard for utility workers and our members
Growth within 30 feet of power lines and utility poles must be removed, and growth within 30 to 40 feet of lines and poles might be removed. CEC considers growth no closer than 50 feet to be acceptable.
“Community Electric proactively manages vegetation with a year round program that encompasses tree trimming and spraying right of way clearance around power lines,” Chief Operations Officer Jonathan Thompson said. “But obviously, the most economical and efficient strategy is not having to clear trees and vegetation that is not there to begin with. Power lines have a far better chance of withstanding bad weather when there is adequate clearance from potential obstructions.”
CEC also reminds member-owners, as a preventive safety measure, to call 811 or visit www.VA811.com before they dig. This is a free service to mark the approximate location of buried public utility lines and help avoid hitting an underground line, a precaution that can prevent costly damage and save lives. Research shows that if someone calls 811 before they dig, they have a 99 percent chance of avoiding an incident, injury, harm to the environment, and even death, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
