Pennsylvania Electric Co. (Penelec) continues to conduct vegetation management work in communities across its 31 county service area in Pennsylvania as part of its ongoing efforts to help enhance system reliability.
To date, Penelec tree contractors have trimmed more than 1,500 circuit miles of electric lines as part of its $19 million vegetation management spend for 2013, with an additional 3,000 expected to be completed by year end.
During the summer months, Penelec will be conducting vegetation management in the following locations: Blain, Corry, Dubois, Erie, Franklin, Johnstown, Lewistown, Meadville, Millcreek, Nicktown, Northern Cambria, Oil City, Patton, Punxsutawney, Salix, South Fork, St. Benedict, Tunkhannock and Warren.
The tree trimming and vegetation management work is done on a four-year cycle to ensure proper clearances around electric circuits and equipment and help reduce tree-related outages, particularly during severe weather. Vegetation is inspected and trees are pruned in a manner that preserves the health of the tree, while also maintaining safe and reliable electric service for customers. In some cases, trees that present a danger or are diseased may also be removed.
As part of its notification process, Penelec works with municipalities to inform them of vegetation management schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way are notified prior to vegetation management work being done.
All vegetation management work is conducted by Penelec’s certified forestry contractors, including: Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Davey Tree Expert Co., Lewis Tree Service Inc., Penn Line Service and Treesmiths Inc.
Penelec is a unit of FirstEnergy.
