Toledo Edison continues to conduct tree trimming work in communities across its Northwestern Ohio service area to help enhance system reliability.
Since the beginning of the year, Toledo Edison tree contractors have trimmed more than 500 circuit miles of electric distribution lines as part of its approximately $6 million vegetation management spend for 2014, with an additional 800 miles expected to be completed by year end. The work is done to help maintain proper clearances around electrical equipment and help protect against tree-related outages.
"Toledo Edison customers have enjoyed the best reliability of any public electric utility company in Ohio for the last three years, and part of the reason is our tree trimming efforts," said Linda Moss, regional president of Toledo Edison. "Our tree trimming program has reduced our tree-related outages by about 20 percent over the past year, and is particularly important during severe weather events."
During the upcoming months, Toledo Edison will be conducting tree trimming work in the following counties and communities:
- Lucas – Toledo, Maumee, Holland
- Wood – Perrysburg, Rossford, Northwood
- Ottawa – Oak Harbor, Rocky Ridge, Clay Center
- Fulton – Swanton, Wauseon, Archbold
- Williams - Edon
The tree trimming is done on a four-year cycle. Vegetation is inspected and trees are pruned in a manner that helps to maintain the health of the tree while also maintaining safe and reliable electric service for customers. In some cases, trees that are considered to present a danger or are diseased may be removed.
As part of its notification process, Toledo Edison works with municipalities to inform them of tree trimming schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way also are notified prior to vegetation management work being done.
All tree trimming work is conducted to national standards by certified forestry line clearance contractors, including Asplundh Tree Expert Company, Penn Line Service, Inc., Trees Inc., and Nelson Tree Service.
For 16 consecutive years, FirstEnergy, on behalf of its 10 utility companies, including Toledo Edison, has been 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.
