Increased Risk of Electric Service Interruption Associated with Tree Branches Overhanging Conductors

Nov. 18, 2010

It has long been recognized that branches overhanging conductors represent an interruption risk that is realized during storms with wind and particularly ice loading resulting in branches bridging conductors and causing phase to phase faults. Read more...

Sig Guggenmoos

It has long been recognized that branches overhanging conductors represent an interruption risk that is realised during storms with wind and particularly ice loading resulting in branches bridging conductors and causing phase to phase faults. In the event of a whole tree failure, adjacent trees with overhanging branches have a higher probability of interrupting service than similarly proximate trees without overhangs.

This paper develops the mathematics necessary to calculate this difference...

About the Author

Sig Guggenmoos | P. Ag. CPC President, Ecological Solutions Inc., Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

Education: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture B.Sc.(Agr.)

Accreditations: Professional Agrologist (P.Ag.); Certified Professional Consultant (CPC)

Organizations: Alberta Institute of Agrologists, International Society of Arboriculture, Utility Arborist Association, Industrial Vegetation Management Association of Alberta.

Mr. Guggenmoos was a chief architect of the TransAlta Utilities Distribution Line Clearance program, which reduced tree related outages 80%; saved 48 million dollars over two maintenance cycles; had a 98% customer satisfaction rating; and, showed a 21% increase in contractor crew productivity. He was responsible for the herbicide program, associated research and communication. In addition, he brought a financial focus to the program, developing processes for financial comparisons of alternatives to repetitive tree pruning and was intimately involved in the design and assessment of contracting methods.

As president of Ecological Solutions Inc. (Ecosync) Mr. Guggenmoos provides consulting services in vegetation management and biotic greenhouse gas mitigation strategies including biomass-derived energy.

Publications and Presentations:
Author of numerous abstracts and publications; numerous presentations to public, industry and professional associations including international conferences. List of publications available upon request.