Energy Delivery

Transmission & Distribution Vegetation Management

Tree Clearing

·  Vegetation management is required to ensure the continued and safe operation of the electrical system. Vegetation is routinely pruned, controlled or removed approximately every four years or as required, to insure line reliability, maintain access, make repairs, or restore service. A key component of maintaining safe and reliable service is enforcing existing vegetation easement rights and keeping the transmission and distribution line rights-of-way free of incompatible trees and vegetation.

·  FirstEnergy is aware that tree clearing is an emotional issue for property owners – but the work must be done in order to remain in compliance with State and Federal mandates. Such mandates include those of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), and the Public Utilities Commission. All vegetation clearing work is performed in compliance with ANSI Z133.1 and A-300 Standards, and according to the requirements given by OSHA

·  FirstEnergy contracts qualified vegetation management contractors to clear trees away from electric conductors. The contractors are qualified line clearance tree professionals trained in OSHA safety standards and in proper pruning techniques. All contractor personnel are required to carry photo identification, which includes the employee name, company name and office telephone number.

·  Brush and Wood Disposal - During routine vegetation maintenance all tree parts that are pruned or removed are disposed of in a manner that is acceptable to the landowner and FirstEnergy.

·  FirstEnergy’s rights-of-way (ROW) are routinely inspected and cleared of incompatible vegetation. In some cases, this will involve clearing trees in areas where pruning was done in the past. The inspection process also includes identifying and assessing the health of trees or other vegetation that are located adjacent and off the ROW to determine if there is the potential for them to fall onto the electrical conductors. This inspection includes “danger” trees that are outside the ROW, but have the potential to fall onto the lines. Proper vegetation management does not always involve removal of all vegetation. Compatible trees and shrubs that do not interfere with electric facilities are not disturbed.

·  While working diligently to comply with legal requirements, FirstEnergy works hard to make sure property owners know what to expect when vegetation management activities are planned on their property. FirstEnergy’s policy is to make every reasonable effort to meet with each property owner and to provide advance notification of the required work. Notification may take place using door card, personal contact, or other approved methods.

·  For the 14th straight year, FirstEnergy Corp. has been recognized as a Tree Line USA utility by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Award-winning companies must meet five standards; demonstrating excellence in tree care, employee "best practices" training, public education on appropriate plantings, a tree-based energy conservation program, and Arbor Day events.

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