Southside Electric Cooperative maintains transmission right-of-ways up to one hundred (100) feet wide depending on line voltage. Distribution lines, which are the most commonly seen lines on the system, have thirty (30) to forty (40) feet wide right-of-ways depending on year of establishment. All new Distribution right-of-ways are forty (40) feet wide. Transmission and Distribution lines are maintained by Line Clearance Contractors on approximately a seven (7) year cycle and by Time & Material Crews that conduct off-cycle work as needed. Service drops (the line that runs from the transformer to the home) and dusk-to-dawn lights require minimal clearances of approximately a five (5) foot radius and are only trimmed by Line Clearance Contractors on regularly scheduled cycle work.

Starting in 2011, Southside Electric Cooperative began a system-wide effort to conduct all trimming to the ANSI A300 pruning specifications, recognized industry-wide. These trimming practices allow utilities to obtain their necessary line clearances to reduce the overall detrimental effects on the trees’ health. Line Clearance Contractors hired to complete the trimming are overseen by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Certified Arborists to ensure these standards are followed.

In addition to trimming trees to the designated line clearances on these circuits, crews will be removing any live brush from within the right-of-way, vines off equipment, trees that have grown within the right-of-way, and any dead, diseased, damaged, or structurally unsound trees that pose a significant hazard to the overhead power lines. Southside Electric Cooperative and Line Clearance Contractors will also be working to contact Members and work with them to remove yard trees planted within the right-of-way.

Members will receive an automated phone message before regularly scheduled line maintenance activities.