Learning Page (Vegetation Management)

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The purpose of managing vegetation (trees and plants) along our power lines is for the safety of customers and utility workers. While managing vegetation, we ensure there is a balance to protect ecosystems and it is something we plan with careful consideration. It’s a coordinated effort of different professionals to achieve this. Our maintenance teams regularly remove vegetation that is growing too close to the lines.

Why

With over one thousand kilometers of powerline and thousands of trees growing along it, managing vegetation is incredibly important to us. If managed well, we can reduce the risk from fallen trees and branches to the safe operation of our network and minimize outages.

Where

We regularly clear vegetation from the area nearby power lines to meet the industry safety standards. (CSA 22.3 No.1:20 4.17). We remove trees that are, or could be dangerous, or negatively affect the reliability of service that thousands of customers rely on daily. As well as maintenance of our system, there are times when we need to clear areas of vegetation to help our teams examine or repair assets or structures as part of other work programs, such as pad-mount equipment inspections.

How

We use a combination of remote survey methods such as aerial surveys and lidar, as well as our historical data records to create our inventory of trees and vegetation. We use this information to assist our tree and vegetation management professionals to undertake inspections of the system to carry out site-specific risk assessments. When work is required, we select the appropriate method of work that considers the type and extent of vegetation to be managed and how this will impact our community and the environment. For example, there are cases where a tree is damaged or rotten and needs to be removed versus branches being trimmed. Our team reaches out and provides information to our neighbors and stakeholders prior to work taking place.

Methods

We use a wide range of handheld and mechanical equipment to manage vegetation so that is clear of safe zones to prevent contact with our power lines. This work can occur from the ground and overhead from aerial lift devices such as boom trucks and other off-road equipment. Our teams leave the work area tidy and either remove logs and branches or rake up leaves and other clippings. Where trees might pose a risk to our system, we guide customers through the planning and safe execution of tree work that is required in proximity to energized overhead wire.

Key objectives:

1. Eliminate Immediate Hazard – Remove any vegetation within 1m of overhead primary lines, to remove immediate burning hazards.

2. Create a Vegetation Register – Update tree inventory and assessment tools to gain a better understanding of growth rates and future needs to proactively manage encroachments.

3. Meet Industry Standards – Demonstrate the levels of work, resources, and budget that is required to meet the minimum industry standard of vegetation cleared to 3m proximity of overhead primary wires.

4. Establish an Optimal Cycle – Determine the levels of work, resources, and budget that is required to maintain our levels of service, continue to operate in a safe and efficient state, and reach an optimal cycle of vegetation management.

The purpose of managing vegetation (trees and plants) along our power lines is for the safety of customers and utility workers. While managing vegetation, we ensure there is a balance to protect ecosystems and it is something we plan with careful consideration. It’s a coordinated effort of different professionals to achieve this. Our maintenance teams regularly remove vegetation that is growing too close to the lines.

Why

With over one thousand kilometers of powerline and thousands of trees growing along it, managing vegetation is incredibly important to us. If managed well, we can reduce the risk from fallen trees and branches to the safe operation of our network and minimize outages.

Where

We regularly clear vegetation from the area nearby power lines to meet the industry safety standards. (CSA 22.3 No.1:20 4.17). We remove trees that are, or could be dangerous, or negatively affect the reliability of service that thousands of customers rely on daily. As well as maintenance of our system, there are times when we need to clear areas of vegetation to help our teams examine or repair assets or structures as part of other work programs, such as pad-mount equipment inspections.

How

We use a combination of remote survey methods such as aerial surveys and lidar, as well as our historical data records to create our inventory of trees and vegetation. We use this information to assist our tree and vegetation management professionals to undertake inspections of the system to carry out site-specific risk assessments. When work is required, we select the appropriate method of work that considers the type and extent of vegetation to be managed and how this will impact our community and the environment. For example, there are cases where a tree is damaged or rotten and needs to be removed versus branches being trimmed. Our team reaches out and provides information to our neighbors and stakeholders prior to work taking place.

Methods

We use a wide range of handheld and mechanical equipment to manage vegetation so that is clear of safe zones to prevent contact with our power lines. This work can occur from the ground and overhead from aerial lift devices such as boom trucks and other off-road equipment. Our teams leave the work area tidy and either remove logs and branches or rake up leaves and other clippings. Where trees might pose a risk to our system, we guide customers through the planning and safe execution of tree work that is required in proximity to energized overhead wire.

Key objectives:

1. Eliminate Immediate Hazard – Remove any vegetation within 1m of overhead primary lines, to remove immediate burning hazards.

2. Create a Vegetation Register – Update tree inventory and assessment tools to gain a better understanding of growth rates and future needs to proactively manage encroachments.

3. Meet Industry Standards – Demonstrate the levels of work, resources, and budget that is required to meet the minimum industry standard of vegetation cleared to 3m proximity of overhead primary wires.

4. Establish an Optimal Cycle – Determine the levels of work, resources, and budget that is required to maintain our levels of service, continue to operate in a safe and efficient state, and reach an optimal cycle of vegetation management.

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Page last updated: 29 Jun 2022, 08:13 AM