A message from our Manager of Operations, Adam Osborn

Tree and vegetation management is an important part of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative’s annual work plan. This task is vital for delivering safe, reliable power to members.

 

What is a right-of-way?

A right-of-way is the strip of land underneath and around power lines and equipment, which Butler Rural Electric Cooperative has the authority and obligation to access, maintain, and clear to prevent disruptions in electric service or harm to lineworkers or the public. Specifications vary, but a general rule of thumb for a safe right-of-way is maintaining 10 to 15 feet of clearance on either side of primary power lines. The area above poles and wires should be kept clear of all vegetation. There should be a minimum of 10 feet between shrubs and other plants and padmount, or ground, transformers.

 

Why is this important?

Downed trees cause a substantial number of power outages, and each year our lineworkers take steps to reduce their impact. Clearing the right-of-way is crucial for keeping our members’ power on. Branches that come into contact with power lines can cause voltage fluctuations, blinking lights, or even outages.

 

Tree and vegetation management also keeps your family safe by ensuring tree branches and vegetation do not become energized due to close contact with power lines or other electric equipment. With the ability to carry up to 69,000 volts, a power line touching a tree branch can be incredibly dangerous — even deadly — so always be mindful around trees that are close to power lines.

 

Our responsibility

Butler Rural Electric Cooperative maintains more than 1,100 miles of line, which bring power to more than 11,700 homes and businesses, making tree and vegetation management a big job. Each year, we schedule contractors to work in specific areas of the cooperative’s service territory to try to stay ahead of any potential issues.

 

If trees invade the right-of-way, Nelson Tree Service, the cooperative’s contractor, will cut down trees and trim vegetation using chainsaws, bucket trucks, tree climbers, brush chippers, and mowers. Contractors may cut down trees in the right-of-way with member approval. If you have trees that are in danger of touching the cooperative’s power lines, we encourage you to notify us by clicking here or calling 513-867-4400. 

 

Keeping power lines clear of trees and limbs helps the co-op:

> Reduce power interruptions

> Improve service reliability

> Restore outages more quickly

> Avoid unexpected and costly repairs

> Create a safer environment for crews and the community