ComEd will perform vegetation management activities on distribution circuits within the next few months. The vegetation management activities are a key component of ComEd’s maintenance program to ensure system electrical reliability, as vegetation contact with ComEd equipment is a leading cause of outages.
ComEd has directly notified any affected customers and property owners with a postcard of the vegetation management activities planned, the website and a toll free telephone number for disputes and dispute resolution processes, and a statement that the customer and the property owner may appeal the planned vegetation management activities through the electric public utility and the Illinois Commerce Commission including contact information. The notice also stated that circuit maps of the area affected by the vegetation management activities are on file with the local municipal or county office.
Vegetation management activities sometimes create concern for residents because trees near our electrical wires are significantly trimmed or may require removal. Qualified line-clearance workers will perform the tree pruning work. Supervisors and General Foremen will be in close contact with the crews, ensuring that the work is performed properly.
Trees that grow greater than 20 feet, for example maple, elm, and blue spruce, should never be planted under or near distribution power lines as they can contact lines and cause a power outage or create a safety issue. Trees and bushes that grow to less than 20 feet, for example dogwoods or crabapples, can often be planted near distribution power lines.
See ComEd’s “Right Tree, Right Place” for additional information. Call (800) Edison-1 with questions or concerns.