At the cooperative, another growing season means it’s time to clear rights of way underneath and around the cooperative’s power lines.

Dead trees, overgrown weeds or any other vegetation growth threaten to interfere with power lines along Southern Indiana Power’s 1,600-mile distribution network. Chances are you’ve spotted our line crews and contractors working by the road, trimming tree branches growing too close to power lines.

While unknown circumstances are the leading cause for most power outages, vegetation comes a close second. Nearly 23 percent of power interruptions in our service area can be traced to vegetation — trees, shrubs, brush — growing too close to power lines and distribution equipment.

The job is never done. Every growing season brings new challenges. Just as one trim cycle ends, another begins.

Let us know if you notice trees or branches that might pose a risk to our power lines. If you plan on planting trees in your yard, think about how tall they may grow and how wide their branches may spread. As a rule of thumb, 25 feet of ground-to-sky clearance should be available on each side of our utility poles to give power lines plenty of space. Choose tree varieties with care and plant with power lines in mind.

At Southern Indiana Power we are committed to bringing you safe, reliable service at the best value. Our vegetation management program seeks to proactively maintain adequate clearances at all times

If you have any questions or concerns or wish to report a potentially problem area, please contact us at 812-547-2316.