Toledo Edison Invests $7.7 Million in Tree-Trimming Work to Help Minimize Impact of Severe Weather

Rhea-AI Summary

On April 7, 2021, Toledo Edison, a FirstEnergy subsidiary, announced a $7.7 million tree trimming initiative to enhance service reliability for its customers in northwest Ohio. This program aims to prevent tree-related power outages, particularly during storm seasons, with over 450 miles of electric lines already trimmed this year and an additional 1,100 miles scheduled for completion. The tree trimming is conducted on a four-year cycle, focusing on maintaining tree health and safety near power lines.

Positive

• Investment of $7.7 million in tree trimming work to enhance service reliability.
• Proactive measures taken to prevent weather-related power outages.
• Completion of tree trimming on 450 miles of electric lines with plans for an additional 1,100 miles.

Negative

• None.

TOLEDO, Ohio, April 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Toledo Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is conducting tree trimming and other vegetation management work in communities across its northwest Ohio service area to help enhance service reliability for customers. This year's $7.7 million tree-trimming program will help keep power flowing to customers around the clock by preventing tree-related outages, such as those that can occur during the spring and summer storm season.

Since the beginning of the year, tree contractors have trimmed trees along nearly 450 miles of electric lines across the greater Toledo area. The company's program remains on track to complete an additional 1,100 miles of tree-trimming work by the end of the year.

The tree trimming is done on a four-year cycle. The program includes inspecting vegetation near the lines to ensure the trees are pruned in a manner that helps preserve the health of the tree, while also maintaining safety near electric facilities. Trees that present a danger or are diseased may be removed.

"Trees are a leading cause of power outages, and we complete proactive tree-trimming work each year to prevent tree-related outages during severe weather," said Rich Sweeney, regional president of Toledo Edison. "This work undoubtedly helps minimize the impact of weather-related outages to keep the power flowing safely and reliably to customers."

Tree trimming will be conducted in the following counties and communities this year:  

• Defiance – Ayersville, Defiance
• Fulton – Delta, Wauseon
• Henry – Liberty Center
• Lucas – Maumee, Sylvania, Toledo, Waterville and Whitehouse
• Ottawa – Genoa
• Sandusky – Woodville
• Williams – Edgerton, West Unity and Stryker
• Wood – Perrysburg and Weston

As part of its notification process, Toledo Edison works with municipalities to inform them of tree trimming schedules. In addition, customers living in areas along company rights-of-way also are notified prior to vegetation management work being done. 

The vegetation management work is conducted by certified forestry experts under the company's direction, including Arbormetics Solutions, Jaflo Inc., Asplundh Tree Expert Company, Nelson Tree Service Inc. and Penn Line Service.

Toledo Edison serves more than 300,000 customers in northwest Ohio. Follow Toledo Edison on Twitter @ToledoEdison or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToledoEdison.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York.  The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com.

Editor's Note: Photos of utility personnel trimming trees near FirstEnergy power lines are available for download on Flickr. A video explaining FirstEnergy's vegetation management techniques can also be found on YouTube.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is Toledo Edison's recent investment in tree trimming?

Toledo Edison has invested $7.7 million in a tree trimming program to enhance service reliability.

How many miles of tree trimming has Toledo Edison completed in 2021?

Toledo Edison has completed tree trimming along 450 miles of electric lines in 2021.

What is the purpose of Toledo Edison's tree trimming program?

The tree trimming program aims to prevent tree-related power outages, especially during severe weather.

What is the timeline for Toledo Edison's vegetation management work?

The tree trimming program operates on a four-year cycle, with an additional 1,100 miles of work planned by the end of the year.

Which areas are affected by Toledo Edison's tree trimming work?

Tree trimming will occur in various counties, including Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky, Williams, and Wood in Ohio.