13 Jan
Vegetation management is a key strategy in reducing power outages and enhancing safety for our members, employees and contractors.
CORE invests time and resources into regular tree trimming and removal operations in utility rights-of-way.
What are utility rights-of-way?
A utility right-of-way is a designated area of land that is granted to utility companies for the installation and maintenance of utility equipment. This can include power lines, meters and transformers. Regular maintenance and proper repairs help prevent service interruptions, address safety hazards, and ensure that all regulatory standards are met. Vegetation should not be planted below CORE powerlines or in close proximity (20 feet) to CORE poles. No trees or shrubs should be planted within 10 feet of the front of underground equipment boxes, or 4 feet on other sides.
Why does CORE trim or remove trees?
- Prevent outages. Trees that grow too closely to power lines or that become damaged during storms pose a risk to CORE equipment and could result in an outage.
- Access equipment. Crews need to access equipment quickly and safely for maintenance or for outage restoration. Overgrowth can cause delays and prolong outages.
- Mitigate wildfire risks. Hazardous trees and other vegetation that could potentially contact utility equipment increases the risk of wildfires. CORE dedicates significant resources to reducing the threat of wildfires.
How and when does CORE trim trees?
With over 5,000 miles of overhead lines across the service territory, scheduled pruning and hazard tree removal is spread out during a 6-year cycle where we visit every distribution circuit at least once. To ensure that vegetation does not interfere with the power lines before the next inspection, pruning specifications require a clearance of 10 to 24 feet, depending on species.
If your area is scheduled to be inspected and maintained, you will receive an email at the address on file before work begins. You will then be contacted by our pre-inspectors to discuss the work prior to it being performed.
CORE uses qualified line clearance contractors to perform much of our vegetation management work. Trucks and crews performing these tasks in your community will display ‘CORE Contractor’ decals on their trucks. These contractors are required to follow industry standards and guidelines for safety, quality and tree health. Members, property owners, and untrained contractors should not prune or cut trees and plants near power lines.
Click here to learn more about vegetation management.