Manitoba Hydro is trimming more trees, clearing more brush and taking more steps to manage vegetation around power lines to enhance the safety and reliability of Manitoba’s electrical system.
While the utility has always worked to keep trees and brush away from its infrastructure, the company is taking more action along its power lines and equipment. Manitoba Hydro crews or contractors will enter property to trim or remove trees that are too close to power lines.
“Maintaining a power system that is reliable, and safe for our employees and customers, is always our goal,” said Allan Danroth, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “Our enhanced vegetation management work this year is part of those efforts.”
Tree contact is one of the most common causes of power outages in Manitoba. Last year there were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province. That’s more than in any of the previous 14 years.
Tree contact can spark fires and bring down live electrical lines, which is a safety hazard for anyone nearby and for Manitoba Hydro’s crews sent to repair them. Dense foliage can make it difficult and more dangerous for Manitoba Hydro crews to find and work on fallen power lines.
In addition to trimming trees near power lines, Manitoba Hydro is using heavy machinery to clear brush around its infrastructure in rural areas, and herbicides to prevent growth of specific vegetation. This is also critical for protecting Manitoba Hydro equipment and facilities from wildfires.
In urban areas, trees are usually trimmed around power lines. However, in certain cases, trees may need to be removed entirely depending on the species, location, and hazard they pose to power lines.
While the utility aims to notify property owners in advance of planned vegetation management work, this may not always be possible in urgent situations such as power outages or damage from storms.
If you see Manitoba Hydro crews or contractors trimming, cutting or clearing vegetation, please keep a safe distance away as there may be falling or flying debris.
Learn more about vegetation management and the work being done by Manitoba Hydro.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer
431-323-4511
pchura@hydro.mb.ca
