Reliable power delivery is essential for modern life, and NYSEG is committed to ensuring its customers have uninterrupted service. A significant factor impacting power reliability is vegetation, particularly trees. NYSEG’s proactive approach, especially its dedicated Vegetation Management Team, focuses on mitigating the risks posed by trees to power lines. This article explores how NYSEG invests in vegetation management to keep the lights on.
The Threat of Trees to Power Lines
Trees are a leading cause of power outages, accounting for nearly half of all interruptions, according to NYSEG. Branches can fall onto power lines during storms, or even under normal conditions if they are weakened or dead. This can cause short circuits, broken lines, and widespread outages. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive and proactive approach.
NYSEG’s Investment in Vegetation Management
NYSEG has made substantial investments in its vegetation management program. In 2024, NYSEG and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) invested over $90 million in vegetation management efforts. This significant financial commitment underscores the importance NYSEG places on maintaining reliable service for its customers. The investment covers a wide range of activities, all aimed at minimizing the risk of tree-related outages.
Key Components of the Program
NYSEG’s vegetation management program is built around several key components:
- Trimming and Removal: The core of the program involves systematically trimming and removing vegetation near utility lines. In 2024, this included work along more than 62,000 miles of lines.
- Six-Year Trim Cycle: NYSEG operates on a structured six-year trim cycle, ensuring that all areas are regularly inspected and maintained. This proactive approach helps prevent vegetation from encroaching on power lines.
- Danger Tree Removal: A critical aspect of the program is the identification and removal of “danger trees.” These are dead or decaying trees that pose a threat to power lines, even if they are located outside the right-of-way. Removing these trees prevents potential outages before they occur.
Data-Driven Prioritization
NYSEG uses data analytics to prioritize its vegetation management efforts. This allows the company to focus on the areas where the risk of tree-related outages is highest. Factors considered in the prioritization process include:
- Historical Line Performance: Areas with a history of frequent outages due to trees are given higher priority.
- Number of Customers Served: Lines that serve a large number of customers are prioritized to minimize the impact of potential outages.
- Presence of High-Risk Trees: Areas with a high concentration of dead, decaying, or otherwise hazardous trees are targeted for immediate action.
Collaboration and Compliance
NYSEG understands that vegetation management is a shared responsibility. The company actively collaborates with homeowners and landowners to address potential hazards on their properties. This collaboration is essential for ensuring the long-term success of the program. All work performed by NYSEG and its contractors adheres to strict industry standards, including those set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). These standards ensure that the work is performed safely and effectively, minimizing the risk of damage to property or injury to workers.
Increased Investment and Regulatory Support
The importance of vegetation management in maintaining service reliability has been recognized by the New York State Public Service Commission. Since 2017, the commission has approved a nearly threefold increase in investment for NYSEG’s vegetation management programs. This increased funding has allowed NYSEG to expand its efforts and implement more proactive measures to prevent tree-related outages.
Meeting Vegetation Challenges
NYSEG’s commitment to vegetation management extends beyond simply trimming trees. The company is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to improve its program and address the challenges posed by vegetation. This includes exploring new technologies for identifying and assessing tree risk, as well as developing more effective methods for managing vegetation near power lines.
Conclusion
NYSEG’s comprehensive vegetation management program is a critical component of its efforts to provide reliable power to its customers. By investing in trimming, removal, data analytics, and collaboration, NYSEG is proactively addressing the threat posed by trees to power lines. The company’s commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to industry standards ensures that its vegetation management program remains effective in keeping the lights on.
