Contact Us
Sitemap
MVEC Home MVEC Home
Inside MVEC
Thursday, Mar 11th


  Tree Trimming Increases Reliability

 


Trees are a beautiful and environmental benefit, but they are also one of the leading contributors to electricity outages. MVEC has an extensive Right of Way clearing program which starts with trimming along lines that affect the largest number of people. Then we work on lines which supply multiple homes. MVEC will trim trees at a member’s request when safety or service reliability is threatened at no cost to the member as well.

Inspections
Each year MVEC crews do a visual inspection of the lines to identify areas where trimming may be needed ahead of the trimming schedule.

Brush clean up
MVEC contractors will clean up brush from a related trimming. However, MVEC contractors will NOT remove or pick up dead or diseased trees or brush/wood after a member requested trimming. We also do not clean up any debris resulting from a storm or emergency trimming. Members may contact their city or county to see if they have assistance programs.

How Much Clearance is Needed?
Trimming seeks to obtain a minimum of three to six years of clearance. How much clearance is needed depends on the voltage of the wires. With primary wires, recommended clearance from the tree to powerlines is 15’ on all sides. Secondary and service wires, which are lower voltage, the recommended clearance from tree to powerline is four feet.

De-energizing Lines
MVEC will de-energize lines for professional tree trimmers so they can perform the trimming safely. Members should call MVEC Dispatch at (952) 492-8255 or 800-232-2328 to schedule a de-energizing appointment prior to contacting a tree trimming contractor. Please contact us 48 hours prior to the date you would like your lines de-energized.

You Can Help
If you have trees on or near your property that may be a threat to the powerlines servicing your home or business, please call MVEC Dispatch at (952) 492-8255 or 800-232-2328.

> MVEC offers tree trimming services.

Why some trees
need to be removed

Fast-growing, tall trees (such as elms, willows, silver maples, etc.) located directly under primary wires can cause repeated outages.

To prevent these outages and keep the cost of our services down, We prefer to remove these trees rather than frequently prune them.MVEC will not remove a tree on your property without your permission. An MVEC representative or contractor will contact each property owner for permission before removing a tree.

When pruning branches or limbs MVEC will notify you in advance. For those areas along roads where trees are in the public right of way,

MVEC will not notify the adjacent property owner of pruning or removal.



125 Minnesota Valley Electric Drive, Jordan, MN 55352 | (952) 492-2313 or (800) 282-6832 | info@mvec.net
©Copyright 2007-2010 Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative