embership M
02
TWENTY TWENTY SIX
MATTERS
Vegetation Management: B alancing Power Reliabilit y With Scenic Beaut y
The single major cause of power outages is damage to power lines from trees during severe weather such as high winds, heavy snow, ice or lightning. With over 8,000 miles of power lines to protect, Blue Ridge Energy works yearround on managing vegetation like trees and large brush to ensure members have the most reliable electricity possible. Blue Ridge ranks among the most reliable electric providers in the nation due to both traditional vegetation management and aerial tree pruning. The aerial method utilizes specially trained helicopter pilots who carefully conduct pruning along rights of way. Trained “spotters” are located on ground level and are in constant communication with the pilot. Aerial tree pruning is approved by the American National Standards Institute. The process is less intrusive to member property and the environment compared to traditional methods. As with all vegetation management, members are notified in advance of aerial pruning. Debris is removed from maintained areas, while in non-maintained areas, debris is either left or bush-hogged to the ground. Our vegetation management program combines several growth control methods that balance scenic beauty with safe, reliable power. For more information, visit BlueRidgeEnergy.com/ROW.
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