Quick Start Guide Electric Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Tree Selection & Placement

Why Address This Issue? Large trees growing under or close to overhead electric power lines may present serious problems. Trees are often involved in electrical contact incidents, and tree-caused “electrical faults” are the most common cause of service interruption for many electric utilities. Tree branches can break and cause serious safety concerns and hazardous conditions when they bring overhead electric conductors to the ground or within reach of persons on the ground. Numerous electrical contact incidents also involve children climbing trees in close proximity to overhead electric power lines. Homeowners and other untrained persons inadvertently contacting electric conductors while trimming trees may be seriously injured. Educating the public about selecting appropriate tree species for planting near electric power lines may reduce the frequency of these incidents, reduce line-clearing costs, and improve service reliability.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program