Clearing of right-of-way zones for the purposes of this policy shall be defined as the public areas adjacent to state, county and township highways, roads or streets, and to the private areas in which the United Electric has established power lines.
The necessary clearance of supply lines from trees is determined by:
- Voltage, location, and type of line.
- The height of the poles and use.
- The growth habit and final appearance of the trees.
- Movement of trees and conductors under adverse weather conditions.
- Sag of conductors at elevated temperatures.
- Risk to United Electric’s lines and facilities (Danger Trees).
United Electric tree trimmers will maintain proper clearance in accordance with good clearing practices to meet established industry standards at no cost to the landowner. If the landowner requests other practices or prevents clearance it will be at the landowner’s continued cost. Any line conversions or relocations will be at the requesting member’s cost. These practices will be performed in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Rural Utilities Service (RUS), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and other applicable regulations, standards and laws. All third-party trimmers shall be required to execute a contract approved by the Board, provide their own equipment, and a certificate of liability insurance. Any variance from clearance standards by third-party trimmers shall require a signed variance.