Keeping electricity reliable requires more than maintaining poles and power lines. One of the most important parts of maintaining a safe and dependable electric system is managing the vegetation that grows near those lines. That’s why Citizens Electric uses a strategy called Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM). 

IVM is a thoughtful, long-term approach to managing trees, brush, and other vegetation within electric rights-of-way (ROW), using a mix of mechanical, manual, chemical, biological, and cultural methods.  Rather than simply clearing everything in an area, IVM focuses on encouraging healthy plant growth that is compatible with power lines while removing vegetation that could threaten the electric system. 

Trees and branches are one of the leading causes of power outages, especially during storms and periods of high wind. By maintaining proper clearance around power lines, vegetation management helps reduce the likelihood that limbs or falling trees will damage equipment or interrupt service. 

Maintaining the right-of-way also helps our crews respond more quickly when outages do occur. A well-maintained ROW allows line workers to safely access poles, lines, and equipment without navigating dense brush or hazardous vegetation. This faster access can help shorten outage durations and restore power to members more quickly. 

Safety is another important reason for vegetation management. Proper clearance around electric lines helps reduce the risk of downed lines, electrical hazards, and other dangerous situations that can occur when vegetation grows too close to energized equipment. 

IVM also supports environmental stewardship. By encouraging low-growing native plants and compatible vegetation in rights-of-way, the program can promote healthier ecosystems while reducing the need for repeated heavy clearing.

As part of Citizens Electric’s ongoing vegetation management efforts, low-volume herbicide spraying will begin in August. All impacted landowners will receive a postcard notification before treatment.

We appreciate our members’ understanding as this important work takes place. Maintaining our rights-of-way through Integrated Vegetation Management is a strategic, long-term approach to managing our responsibility of reliable service for the membership.