Maintaining Transmission Rights-of-Way

FirstEnergy's long distance, high voltage transmission lines provide power to thousands of our customers and are vital reliability links with other utilities across the country. Keeping our transmission rights-of-way free of unwanted trees and other vegetation is very important to providing reliable and safe electric service.

Tower

Vegetation management schedule

Vegetation management crews maintain our transmission rights-of-way every 4 or 5 years. Transmission right-of-way widths vary according to the voltage of the transmission line and by the easement rights obtained when the line was built. Usually, trees located within the right-of-way that interfere or may potentially interfere with the operation of transmission facilities are removed. This may be accomplished using power saws, EPA-registered herbicides, mechanical equipment, or a combination of methods.

Trees and shrubs

Trees and vegetation are inspected and pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Usually, trees located within the right-of-way that interfere or may potentially interfere with the operation of transmission facilities are removed. Trees located beyond the edge of the right-of-way that potentially may interfere with transmission facilities are evaluated to determine whether pruning or removal is required. Trees adjacent to the right-of-way that are unhealthy, leaning or significantly encroaching the right-of-way are also pruned or removed. This may be accomplished using use hand-operated tools, saws, mowers, aerial helicopter saws and EPA-registered herbicides, or a combination of methods.

Compatible shrubs that do not interfere with transmission facilities are not disturbed. A diverse mixture of grasses, low growing shrubs and other ground cover preferred by birds, deer and small animals promote a thriving wildlife habitat. In this way, well-managed transmission rights-of-way provide food and cover wildlife's need to survive. Additional information about vegetation management practices and maintaining a safe and reliable transmission system can be found here.

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