Vegetation Management

Right-of-Way Clearance & Vegetation Management

At North East Power, providing safe, reliable electric service to our members is a top priority. A key part of this commitment is maintaining clear and accessible rights-of-way, which includes proactive vegetation management. Safety, reliability, outage restoration, and system maintenance all depend on diligent vegetation control.

Safety First

Safety for our employees and members always comes first. Vegetation and high-voltage power lines are a dangerous combination—under certain conditions, vegetation can conduct electricity and pose serious hazards. Ensuring proper clearance, especially in areas frequented by people and animals, helps reduce the risk of injury. Trimming or removing trees near primary lines is essential for protecting lives and property.

Reliability

Vegetation is the leading cause of outages on our system. From trees falling during storms to fast-growing vines like kudzu interfering with equipment, unchecked growth threatens service reliability. Routine trimming and clearing—by mechanical or chemical means, depending on the area—greatly reduces these risks.

Outage Restoration & Maintenance

Well-maintained rights-of-way allow our crews safe and efficient access during outages, especially in severe weather. Clear lines of sight help us locate issues quickly, make necessary repairs, and restore power faster—minimizing disruption for our members and time in the field for our employees. Regular maintenance and inspection are also made easier when rights-of-way are kept clear, preventing potential problems before they start.

Line Clearance Distances

Tree Planting Chart