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First Electric focuses on right-of-way maintenance near overhead lines to provide safe and reliable service for our members. Right-of-way refers to a strip of land underneath or around power lines that is maintained and cleared.

Trees are one of the major causes of power outages in areas with overhead utility lines. When trees contact live wires, they may become conductors of electricity and cause outages or create dangerous situations for anyone coming in contact with them. Trees must grow at a distance far enough from conductors, where they will not cause harm to individuals or disruption to electrical service.

In 2023, approximately 12% of First Electric’s power interruptions occurred from trees or other vegetation near lines. “Ideally, the dripline of a mature tree’s canopy should not be within 15 feet on either side of overhead lines or within 10 feet of our underground transformers,” Tim Felty, right-of-way maintenance supervisor, said.

Any tree adjacent to First Electric's lines are subject to removal during regularly scheduled maintenance regardless of size or height. “Before work begins, we try to notify our members with door hangers. Our website is a great way to see where our crews and contractors are working. Cleanup crews follow the right-of-way work three to five days after clearing,” said Felty.

Call 800-489-7405 to report trees near lines, or read more at firstelectric.coop/vegetation-management.

2024 CONTRACTORS PERFORMING VEGETATION MANAGEMENT: Asplundh, Kiowa, PTS, Riggs and West Tree Service