Managing Rights-of-Way
From Top to Bottom
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE way to look at vegetation management. The work Hamilton County Electric Cooperative and our contractors do to help keep electric lines and other equipment separated from plant overgrowth plays a major role in service reliability.
From mowing and brush work at ground level to tree trimming near and above power lines, we regularly inspect and manage the landscape in and around our equipment to prevent outages, mini mize the threat of fire damage, and maintain access and serviceability.
Utility providers, including electric cooperatives, have worked with local, state and federal foresters to develop integrated vegetation management practices aimed at reducing the need for chemicals, costly manual and mechanical control measures, and controlled burning. These techniques establish low-growing vegetation that out-compete taller growing species.
The Environmental Protection Agency worked with utility industry associations and other federal agencies to develop vegetation management practices that can help create sustainable ecosystems such as meadow transition habitats. The techniques, used for roadside and cross-country rights-of-way, encourage the growth of native species and increase plant diversity. They also create or restore habitat for local and migrating wildlife, including insects, birds and mammals.
While weather can affect seasonal activities related to right-of-way work and vegetation management, electric co-ops and other utilities regularly conduct maintenance to mitigate risks.
Vegetation management that’s deferred one year has to be done in the future, and the cost accrues much faster than inflation. As biomass increases and trees encroach on—or even engulf—power lines, they become increasingly difficult to access and less safe to work on.
According to industry research, about 20%–30% of power outages are vegetation related. Removal of tall trees and limbs near power lines also reduces the risk of injuries caused by accidental contacts with energized power lines.
The concept of right tree, right place helps guide our vegetation management plan and doesn’t leave room for tall trees to develop under power lines. Planting trees under lines means those trees cannot reach their full potential and will have to be either removed or, if retained, continually pruned to keep them clear of the conductors.
Hamilton County EC appreciates the diversity and beauty of the Texas landscape and is committed to vegetation management practices that provide the right balance of reliable electric service, harmony with nature and safety.