Providing reliable power to our member-consumers is a top priority for SEI REMC. As we approach the summer storm season, it is crucial to understand how vegetation management plays a significant role in maintaining reliability.
While trees contribute to the charm, shade and beauty of our communities, they are also the primary cause of power outages for our cooperative. That is why we are dedicated to keeping the co-op’s power lines clear in right-of-way (ROW) areas.
ROW areas encompass the land utilized by the co-op for constructing, maintaining, replacing or repairing underground and overhead power lines. This proactive approach enables SEI REMC to maintain clearance from trees and other obstructions that could potentially hinder distribution power lines.
Strategic initiative to enhance reliability
In 2018, our board of directors initiated a strategic plan to improve reliability by reclaiming the ROW across our seven-county service area within a five-year timespan. We successfully met this objective and have now progressed to the second phase of the initiative, which focuses on ongoing maintenance. Our teams are proactively working their way through the service territory, implementing a comprehensive trimming and pruning program to ensure the lines remain clear on a consistent five-year cycle.
Planned outages for enhanced reliability
While it may seem counterintuitive, we also utilize planned and controlled outages to enhance power reliability. By carefully cutting power to specific areas of our local service area for a few hours, SEI REMC can perform necessary system repairs and upgrades that ultimately lead to improved electric service. We strive to provide advance notice of any planned outage through email or text notifications, ensuring you have the latest information. To receive these updates, please make sure we have your correct contact information on file.
Vegetation management: The key to reliable power
Vegetation management serves as an essential tool in ensuring power reliability and minimizing the risk of outages. Therefore, when you see our dedicated crews working in your area, we kindly ask for your patience, knowing that the work they are performing is crucial to maintaining the reliability of your electric service.
At SEI REMC, our commitment to delivering reliable power is unwavering. Through our strategic vegetation management initiatives, ongoing maintenance efforts and carefully planned outages, we strive to provide you with uninterrupted electric service. By working together and understanding the significance of vegetation management, we can build a more reliable and resilient power infrastructure for our community.
