Storm & Outage Center
Our right-of-way crews work hard to keep lines clear of vegetation and improve reliability for our members. In honor of National Right-of-Way Professionals Week, we celebrate and thank them for all they do to keep the power flowing.
EMEPA joins others around the country June 12 to 18 in recognizing the commitment and dedication right-of-way crews exhibit year-round, whether routine trimming or in the aftermath of a storm. Employees, family, and friends are encouraged to participate as well.
Although most outages are weather-related, vegetation overgrowth can cause outages by encountering power lines. That’s why all utilities should have effective and efficient right-of-way maintenance practices focused on proper tree trimming and brush control.
But while day-to-day management is important to a well-maintained system, jumping into action as soon as a storm passes is crucial to the restoration process.
“When storms hit and the power goes out, our right-of-way crews are ready to respond,” said Gary Davidson, facilities engineer. “They immediately get to work removing tree limbs, clearing trees on the lines, and removing debris so repairs can be made quickly, and power can be restored safely.”
Because they work around high-voltage equipment — sometimes completely covered by storm debris — being part of the right-of-way team requires skill, experience, and a significant investment in time and training. Trimmers frequently work at heights over 100 feet, using aerial lifts, ropes, and specialized equipment to get the job done. They must possess physical strength, mental focus, a teamwork mindset, and a commitment to safety.
Crews follow guidelines set by the American National Standards Institute to enhance tree health, and having well-established right-of-way limits means that most of their efforts are focused on controlling regrowth. If growth gets out of hand, it’s harder to conform to standards.
Crews also sometimes work to preserve trees that are of significance or provide advice to our members on tree placement. However, they do not cut or trim trees outside the right-of-way. If members want to cut down trees or trim branches on private property, they should hire a licensed tree service.
EMEPA currently employs 4 foremen who supervise 5 groundman tree trimmers, 2 journeyman tree trimmers, 3 apprentice tree trimmers, and 1 ROW technician around the service area. Along with linemen, engineers, construction crews, and other employees, they monitor 5,750 miles of line serving 37,815 electric meters.
National Right-of-Way Professionals Week is celebrated every year in the second week of June. Please join us in recognizing our valued right-of-way crews who help keep the lights on for our members.