Vegetation Management
The Cooperative spends in excess of $500,000 annually on tree trimming and removal in order to minimize
power interruptions and outages caused by limbs in the line or trees falling through the power lines
during a storm.
Electricity can be deadly, so that’s why we have vegetation management specialists trained in safe clearances
and tree removal. Members should never
attempt to trim or remove tree limbs near or adjacent
to any power lines. If you’re concerned about a tree
that may be in contact with a power line, contact the
Cooperative.
People's Cooperative Services (PCS) clears vegetation away from power lines to insure that the power supply remains reliable even in the most inclement conditions. Currently, PCS is implementing a seven year cycle where all of our lines have the encroaching vegetation removed once every seven years. Therefore, the clearing has to remove enough vegetation to insure that it can't grow back enough in seven years to cause a threat to the reliability of the power supply.
In addition to protecting the power supply, PCS's vegetation progr
am improves wildlife habitat. By using selective herbicide applications and cutting techniques PCS is able to expand the diversity of plant species growing within power line rights-of-ways. These additional plant species, primarily grasses, forbs, small tree species, and bushes; help shade out larger tree species that can endanger the power supply. These additional plant also provide habitats for a larger diversity of wildlife. By employing selective herbicide applications and cutting techniques we can remain good environmental stewards and provide reliable electric power for the lowest possible cost to our members.
We employ manual and mechanized clearing where
the vegetation is too tall for herbicide applications
and aerial application is not possible, or where the
immediate removal of vegetation is necessary.
We apply herbicides to control the root systems of woody stemmed vegetation and to reduce the cost of
future maintenance.
In all cases, People’s uses herbicides that are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
the appropriate state regulatory agency.
The herbicides are applied by licensed application businesses that employ trained applicators.
People's Cooperative Services Vegetation Management Specifications brochure.