With parts of the province already experiencing dry, summer-like conditions, vegetation management crews are hard at work keeping trees away from power lines.
“Each year about 2,000 power outages occur as a result of trees growing into power lines, and we have seen the devastating consequences of wildfires here in Canada and around the world,” said Tim Eckel, SaskPower Vice-President of Asset Management, Planning and Sustainability. “That’s why we are stepping up our efforts to keep trees clear of power lines. Now more than ever, vegetation management is crucial to ensure the safety of our customers and the reliability of the powersystem.”
SaskPower performs vegetation management throughout the year. Vegetation management activities involve machine mulching with large equipment, sustainable herbicide applications or manual removal using tools such as chainsaws. This work is undertaken as part of an integrated vegetation management (IVM) system that removes tall, hazardous tree species while minimizing environmental impacts, and respecting traditional land use. IVM is an internationally-recognized industry best practice.
Clearing and widening rights-of-way around SaskPower infrastructure is a component of the Government of Saskatchewan’s Prairie Resilience climate change strategy.
“We ask that the public do their part as well by planting trees a safe distance from power lines, poles or other electrical equipment,” Eckel said. “Always consider the height a tree will reach when fully grown, and plant accordingly.Never trim trees near powerlines yourself as this creates a serious risk of electric shock.”
Customers are reminded to keep all trees, bushes etc. at least three metres from power lines. Trees that will grow to between six and 12 metres in height must be planted at least six metres away, and any tree that will grow to greater than 12 metres in height must be planted 15 metres away. Trees growing in unsafe spots may be significantly cut back or removed completely. In addition, no tree planting is allowed in transmission rights-of-way. Transmission lines are the much larger, often twin-pole structures that carry higher voltage electricity.
Learn more about safe planting at SaskPower.com/plantsmart
