Wildfire Mitigation Spotlight: Xcel Energy Revises Tree Trimming Clearances in High Fire-Risk Areas

When it comes to wildfire mitigation, electric utilities are taking a proactive, rather than a reactive, approach.

For example, Xcel Energy is responsible for vegetation management across nearly 48,000 miles of distribution and 21,000 miles of transmission rights-of-way, and it conducts enhanced vegetation management in areas with higher wildfire risk.

For example, in these areas, the utility has revised tree-trimming clearance of at least 10 ft, up from 6 ft. Crews also remove overhanging vegetation in Tier 2 and 3 areas with trimming occurring every three to five years. 

According to Xcel Energy's wildfire mitigation page, the utility intends to fully implement this revised clearance and timeline across its Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas by the end of 2027.

To learn more about what the utility is doing to prevent wildfires in its service territory, visit the website or check out the video below. 

Also, if you'd like to share what your utility is doing regarding vegetation management or wildfire mitigation, we'd love to hear from you. Email Amy Fischbach with your photos and a description of your company's projects, best practices or innovative use of technology.