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NAEC tackling dead trees along lines to avoid potential outages North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) and contractors are continuing to eliminate the threat dead trees pose to the more than 5,000 miles of line that make up the distribution system. When dead trees in and near the right-of-way inevitably fall, they often take power lines and poles down with them. This not only poses a safety concern for members of the public but also causes sometimeslengthy outages for NAEC members while line personnel must repair the damage.
PAUL GARRISON
"For the past year, the co-op has taken a more proactive, systematic, circuit-by-circuit approach to these dead trees," said James Woody, vice president of operations. "The past few years, we've seen an increase in the number of dead trees, particularly ash trees, along our lines, and that has led to increased outages for our membership when storms or time eventually take them."
Dead trees eventually will fall and often take down lines and snap electric poles in the process.
For the remainder of the year, NAEC employees and contractors will concentrate on the dead trees that are along the power lines, "topping off" dead trees inside of the right-of-way as well as dead trees outside of the right-of-way that will reach power lines when they fall. As is consistent with NAEC's policy, crews will leave the dead tree or tree sections on the property where they do not cause an access issue.
PAUL GARRISON
NAEC members can help prevent future tree-related outages by considering the location before planting a new one. Guidelines include:
Dead trees in and near NAEC's right-of-way will be "topped off" so that they no longer pose a threat to the system.
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Do not plant shrubs or trees within 30 feet of the power lines. Any vegetation taller than 10 feet in that area will be trimmed or removed.
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Plant medium trees that will be less than 40 feet tall when mature at least 30 feet away from power lines.
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Plant larger trees that will be more than 40 feet tall when mature at least 50 feet away from lines.
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Contact Arkansas 811 so that underground utilities may be marked at no cost. Dial 811, visit arkansas811.com or use the Arkansas 811 app at least two working days before digging is scheduled.
Members may email info@naeci.com or call (870) 895-3221 during NAEC business hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays with questions.
UP FOR BID — Visit naeci.com/equipmentsales for photos of items now up for bid and the bid form.
22 ANSAS TRIC 22 September SEPTEMBER2024 2024 NORTH NORTHARK ARK ANSASELEC ELEC TRICCOOPERATIVE COOPERATIVE