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Landscaping and tree planting can
enhance the beauty and enjoyment of your property, but please
consider the proper placement of trees and shrubs. These smaller
plants of today will eventually grow into large ones, so we
ask you to think and plan ahead. After all, providing reliable
electric service is a top priority of HWE employees. That
is why we are serious about managing and maintaining our right-of-way
(right-of-way is the permission given to HWE to install and
maintain electric service).
If you are changing
your existing landscape or putting in an entire yard, please
landscape safely and be sure to leave space around utility
equipment -- both in the ground and in the air -- so that
HWE employees can easily maintain electric service to your
home.
Around Power Lines
- Avoid planting trees under power lines. The little tree you are planting today could eventually grow into the lines, creating a safety hazard for our maintenance crews and for the children who climb them. The limbs could break off and become entangled in the power lines causing serious problems. They are also a frequent cause of power outages.
- We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to deal with tree and power line problems. Two solutions are removing weak or hazardous trees and encouraging the regular pruning of trees near power lines.
- Trees or shrubs that are too close to poles may be trimmed or damaged by utility workers who need access to the poles.
- Be sure the trunk and branches will not reach within ten feet of overhead electric lines when fully grown.
Around Ground Equipment
- Use OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) to have the placement of underground lines determined before you landscape (HWE is a member of OUPS). According to the Ohio Revised Code you are responsible for calling them 48 hours, but not more than 10 days, before digging: 800-362-2764.
- Although it's tempting to landscape around ground mounted utility equipment, avoid doing so. During an outage, we will probably need access to the equipment serving your home.
- Keep shrubs and structures at least 12 feet from the "door" of the pad-mount transformer and at least 3 feet from other sides.
- Keep shrubs and structures at least 10 feet from the underground wire itself (which, FYI, is buried about 36"-42" below the ground).
- If landscaping is placed too close to the transformer, service restoration efforts can be delayed and not enough air circulation can cause equipment failure. In addition, workers must sometimes cut down the plantings to perform the restoration work.
- Don't forget the meter reader. Keep shrubs trimmed to allow visibility to your meter. Also, please do not fence in the meter.
Facts For You to Know
- Trees account for more than half of all power interruptions.
- Tree damage to power lines can create severe public safety hazards such as fires or electrocution.
- Electricity travels at 186,000 miles per second and can flow through water. Spraying a power line could have the same effect as grabbing the line with your bare hand.
- Consider all electrical lines and electrical utility equipment dangerous. Keep away from them and keep all objects (ladders, antennas, kites, etc.) away from them.
- Warning signs are clearly posted at various locations and on utility equipment that may pose a threat of possible electrocution. These signs have been installed as a warning for your safety, so please read and obey.
- Keeping clear access to utility electric equipment gives line crews the room to perform inspections and repairs -- and keeps everyone safe.
- Note: It is HWE's policy only to locate the electrical wiring/facilities from the transformer to the meter base.
FAQ
- Can I trim my own tree?
Yes, but only if you can maintain a safe distance of at least 10 feet from power lines and other electrical equipment. There is a serious risk for any tree trimmer working close to a high voltage power line. If you have a tree that is too close to power lines for you to safely prune, call us.
- My trees aren’t touching the power lines, so why do you have to trim them?
HWE needs to take care of trees that could pose safety or reliability issues before someone is injured or experiences a power outage. This applies to trees with branches that could come into contact with power lines during heavy winds, causing blinking lights or momentary outages.
- When and how will my trees be pruned?
HWE will prune a tree only when the tree poses the safety and reliability risks of coming into contact with power lines. Tree-trimming crews are very diligent in trimming only what is absolutely necessary. National standards require that a minimum distance of 10 feet from energized or potentially energized electrical equipment must be maintained.
- Where should I plant trees and shrubs?
When full-grown, trees and shrubs must be at least 10 feet away from power lines and other utility equipment such as transformers.
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