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  1. Member Services
  2. Vegetation Management
  3. Vegetation Management - Overview
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Vegetation Management

Overview

 

Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) recognizes the valuable asset trees can be in our landscapes. Trees can protect from wind, offer shade in the summer, provide visual buffers and supply habitat for various wildlife. However, when trees are planted and grow within or near electric right-of-ways, not only are these benefits significantly reduced or eliminated, but hazards to safe and reliable electric service are created. Trees are the number one cause of power outages on SEC’s distribution system. When trees contact live wires, they can create power outages and fires and are a danger to anyone who may contact the trees.

To provide safe and reliable electricity to all members, SEC has a Vegetation Management Program that works to:

  • Keep the proper line to vegetation clearances.

  • Reduce the amount of incompatible vegetation beneath the lines.

  • Work with members to remove trees on their properties that require frequent trimming, pose a risk of becoming in contact with lines, or reduce accessibility to equipment.

SEC requests that members never plant any trees directly under or near overhead power lines. Doing so will require future trimming and possible removal of the tree; reducing or eliminating any benefits sought by planting the tree. We encourage members to enhance their properties with trees and vegetation outside the established right-of-way.

Although SEC would prefer that no trees be planted within our rights-of-way with overhead lines or within ten feet of our underground transformers, you can help by using these guidelines when planting trees near overhead lines. Before you plant, call VA811 at least three days in advance (not counting weekends and holidays) to have your underground utilities marked. They can be reached by simply dialing 8-1-1.


 

 
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Contact Info

See our office locations by clicking HERE

Mailing address for payments only:
P.O. Box 63045 
Charlotte, NC 28263-3045

Mailing address for all non-payment correspondence:
P.O. Box 7
Crewe, VA 23930

Phone# - 1-800-552-2118
Outage# - 866-878-5514

 

 

Our Mission

To safely provide our members with electric service at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound business practices.

 
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  • Home
  • My Cooperative
    • About SEC
    • Contact Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Meeting Minutes & Documents
    • Capital Credits
    • Broadband
    • Office Locations
    • Newsletters
  • Member Services
    • My Account
    • EZpay
    • Membership Application
    • Programs & Services
    • Net Metering
    • Vegetation Management
      • Overview
      • Line Maintenance
      • Brush Control
      • Aerial Trim
      • Planting Tips
    • Rates & Fees
    • Insurance Claim Form
  • My Community
    • Cooperative Living Magazine
    • Scholarships
    • Youth Tour
    • Day in the Life of a Lineworker
    • United We Light: Project Bolivia
    • Energy Assistance
    • Careers
    • For Kids
      • Kids Corner
    • Southside Opportunity Fund Golf Classic
    • Community Workshops
  • Outages & Safety
    • Outage Texting
    • Outage Center
    • Overhead Line Safety
    • Generator Safety
    • Outage & Storm Preparedness
    • Fire Safety
    • Major Outage FAQs
    • VA 811
    • VA Department of Emergency Management
  • Save Energy
    • Ways to Save
    • Electric Vehicles
  • Government Relations
    • VMDAEC Legislative Map
    • Who's My Legistator?
    • CO-OPS VOTE
    • Virginia Department of Elections
    • Virginia Public Access Project
    • Path To U.S Citizenship
    • VMDAEC Legislative Guide