In order to provide safe and reliable electric service to our customers, trees must be properly maintained and kept clear of electric power lines. Trees are a leading cause of blinks and electrical power outages. In fact when trees and power lines touch it is a very dangerous situation and may even be deadly to anyone in close proximity. Trees and brush located in a power line corridor can slow the restoration of power outages and present an unsafe work environment for lineworkers.

East Central Energy's Vegetation Management Program controls trees, shrubs and brush growing around our facilities and equipment - including power lines. Every four to six years, trained, qualified line clearance tree experts visit your neighborhood to maintain trees that may come in contact with electrical conductors.

When trees require pruning or removal, the property owner is notified - either in person, through a door card or a phone call - before work is started. Some trees may require severe or ongoing pruning which often impacts health, shape, and expense to our members. These trees should be removed.

Trees located outside of home landscapes, immature trees and other forms of brush that potentially may come in contact with electric lines are removed as well. Vines growing on poles, guy wires or other equipment are cut near the ground. Low growing shrubs and trees are usually left undisturbed unless they hinder access to power lines or facilities.

Managing vegetation is becoming an increasingly costly component of providing reliable electrical service. East Central Energy appreciates the understanding and cooperation of property owners in completing this important work.