Trees are the number one cause of power outages and that’s why our right-of-way (ROW) or vegetation management program is such a critical component of maintaining the reliability of our system and preventing wildfires. KEC’s ROW program focuses on the identification and removal of hazardous trees as well as the pruning of vegetation that interferes with our distribution lines.
Our goal is to perform ROW trimming on each part of our system every seven years. The tree trimming cycle is selected to maintain required safety distances to power lines (any vegetation growth within 15 feet of overhead line conductors) with anticipated regrowth that will occur before the next trimming cycle. To meet our ROW goals, we currently have eight full-time contract crews working for us, an increase of five crews since the beginning of 2020. It’s also important to note that more than half of KEC power lines are underground and almost all newly constructed lines are put underground to help eliminate tree related power outages and mitigate risk of wildfires.
ROW crews trim and control vegetation for all overhead line segments working sequentially down the line, starting at the substation and moving down the spans to single lines. It is the member’s responsibility to maintain the service lines (pole to weatherhead). If scheduled, KEC crews can disconnect power to the service line so members may safely trim vegetation. Learn more above which equipment KEC owns and which equipment is the member’s responsibility.
While KEC has the authority to cut trees that grow within the power line ROW, we do not have the authority to cut those growing outside the ROW. For context, our typical ROW is 30 feet wide with the power line in the middle of it. Before removing a tree growing outside our ROW which threatens our power lines, landowner permission is needed. KEC makes this easy for landowners. All they need to do is say ‘yes’ and the tree will be removed at no cost to them. Landowners who are unwilling to allow KEC to remove trees on their property which threaten our power lines may be notified in writing. Depending on fire risk and size of the debris, vegetation management crews will dispose of debris in one of the following ways: chipping into a truck or in place (live material only) or chopping and scattering around the property. Any debris too large to chip or impractical to chop will be left on site for member use.
Safety is always a priority. If you see any vegetation that you feel could imminently cause a fire, please contact us. If you have a question or concern about trees or vegetation management, please use the link below or contact us at 208.292.3292 or trees@kec.com.