Managing Reliability

Vegetation Management

Wild Rice Electric is taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk of power outages due to trees.

Wild Rice Electric is dedicated to providing reliable power to our members. To achieve this, we've invested considerable time and effort in creating an integrated vegetation management program.

In 2024, we partnered with Davey Resource Group (DRG) to develop a proactive approach for identifying the areas most at risk. By analyzing historical outage data, tree density and proximity to power lines, we identified these areas and assigned a risk value.
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With this data, we've developed an 8-year rotation to address all regions where trees could potentially cause outages for our members. DRG determined that this 8-year cycle is the most economical for our system, allowing us to manage vegetation growth effectively.

In 2025 we will begin Year 1 of our 8-year cycle. Before any work begins, postcard notifications (pictured below) will be mailed to members outlining the work that will be done. Wild Rice Electric is required to maintain a minimum clearance around all power lines, as per Rural Utility Services (RUS) standards. Clear communication upfront ensures efficient use of labor and equipment, allowing us to maintain low rates for our members.

Right of Way (ROW) Q&A

When should a tree be removed?

Requests for tree removal often involve having a large tree outside the ROW that could possibly fall on the line. If the tree is outside the ROW, an assessment must be done. What are the risks and the rewards? We focus on the hazard trees that show higher chance of hitting the power line.

Why does the tree need to be removed? It is so small; it won't be up in the power line for years

Cutting a five-foot-tall tree down today will cost much less than a 20-foot-tall tree in the future. It's not all about trees or limbs in the power lines. Having a clear path for line workers to restore power in a storm event will ensure your lights or heat come on a lot faster than if it is full of brush or trees.

Why does the ROW need to have that much clearance?

Push back from standard utility clearance can affect your reliability, along with your neighbors. When a storm blows through, and you don't lose power, having the required utility clearance is a big reason why.

What is a right-of-way corridor for an electric line?

A right-of-way (ROW) corridor for an electric line is a strip of land that an electric utility uses to construct, maintain, repair or replace an overhead or underground power line. The corridor allows the utility to provide clearance from trees, buildings and other structures that could interfere with the line installation, maintenance and operation. Wild Rice Electric Cooperative requires a minimum 20-foot clearance on each side of the poles.

What trees will be cut?

Wild Rice Electric Cooperative requires a minimum 20-foot clearance on each side of the poles.

What will be done with the cut trees and brush?

You own the byproducts produced from the right away clearing process, small branches will be mulched or arranged in windrows, while larger limbs and tree trunks will remain on-site.

What about my yard?

We aim to maintain a minimum 40-foot right of way to ensure safety and reliability. However, we understand that a reduced clearance may be acceptable for decorative yard trees and bushes, provided safe distances from the wires are preserved. All cut material will be handled appropriately.