Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed) continues to conduct vegetation management work in communities across its 15 county service area in Pennsylvania as part of its ongoing efforts to help enhance system reliability. To date, Met-Ed tree contractors have trimmed more than 1,100 circuit miles of electric lines as part of its $15 million vegetation management spend for 2013, with an additional 1,700 miles expected to be completed by year end.
During the summer months, Met-Ed will be conducting vegetation management in the following locations: Gettysburg, Hamburg, Lebanon, Reading, Stroudsburg, York and surrounding areas and Upper Bucks County.
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, Met-Ed works with municipalities to inform them of vegetation management schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way also are notified prior to vegetation management work being done.
All vegetation management work is conducted to national standards by Met-Ed's certified forestry contractors, including: York Tree Service; DTE; Jaflo Inc.; Lewis Tree Service Inc.; Nelson Tree Service Inc.; and Treesmiths Inc.
For the fifteenth consecutive year, FirstEnergy, on behalf of its 10 utility companies, including Met-Ed, recently was recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters. The award recognizes utility companies that promote the dual goals of dependable utility service and abundant, healthy trees along America's streets and highways. Award-winning companies demonstrate excellence in tree care, training and public education.
