Vegetation management keeps power safe, reliable
Petit Jean Electric works hard to maintain its right-of-way near overhead lines to provide safe and reliable electrical service for our members.
Right-of-Way refers to a strip of land underneath or around power lines that Petit Jean maintains and clears.
Trees are one of the major causes of power outages in areas with overhead utility lines. When trees contact live wires, they may become conductors of electricity and cause outages or create dangerous situations for anyone coming in contact with them.
Trees must grow at a distance far enough from conductors where it will not cause harm to individuals or disruption to electrical service.
“Ideally, no trees should be planted within 15 feet (20 feet for 3 phase lines) on either side of overhead lines or within 10 feet of our underground transformers.” Allen Bradford, Right of Way supervisor said.
All trees along fences, roadways and other unmaintained areas will be removed during regularly scheduled maintenance regardless of size or height. Clean-up crews follow the right-of-way work three to five days after maintenance.
Members can report trees near utility lines by calling 501-745-2493 or 1-800-786-7618.
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SCHEDULE
- The town of Clinton to Choctaw, Hwy 95 East and Hwy 330 in the Choctaw area.
- Guy, Damascus and Twin Grove area.
- Hwy 124 from Quitman to Hwy 65 and the Gravesville area.
- Hwy 254, Kay, Rambo and South Mountain area.
PHOTO BY GARY BEAN: Petit Jean Electric’s right-of-way crews work year-round on vegetation management. The co-op also uses outside contractors to help with maintenance. Clean-up crews usually follow three to five days after maintenance.
