AEP Ohio performing regular tree maintenance around power lines to help prevent outages

Tree trimming by AEP Ohio for both low-voltage distribution and high-voltage transmission lines is taking place in communities all around Columbus, including Westerville.

On any given day, Dale Hopkins, AEP Ohio forestry manager, said AEP has more than 50 tree crews working in the Columbus district, which includes the suburbs and Delaware.

While specific dates aren’t available where work is being performed, Hopkins said, affected homeowners are notified in advance of the work.

Fallen trees and branches are one of the most common causes of power outages and that’s why there’s a comprehensive year-round program to manage trees that grow near or around lines and equipment, according to Hopkins.

He said the program has improved the ability to provide safe, reliable electric service.

Hopkins said it’s important to note there are two types of power lines that AEP works to clear: high-voltage transmission lines that transmit power to substations and low-voltage distribution lines that transmit power from those substations to customers’ homes.

“For our regular tree maintenance on our low-voltage or distribution lines, we notify customers in advance with a postcard and automated phone call about two weeks in advance of our work planners visiting the property to discuss work with the homeowner,” he said.

“We also post notices on the ‘Nextdoor’ social platform. On the day of work, we will knock on doors to advise homeowners that work is beginning.”

Hopkins said it’s important for customers to keep their contact information up to date so AEP is able to reach them.

To verify their information, customers can go online to aepohio.com.

“Every property has different needs and we want to determine if any assistance is needed with the property owner (such as ensuring dogs are contained)," he said.

"If they’re not home, we leave a door hanger and would appreciate a call back to the number listed to schedule an appointment.”

Hopkins said clearing is based on a four-year cycle for low-voltage or distribution lines.

Circuits, the areas designated for trimming, being cleared this year are to be scheduled again in four years, according to Hopkins.

“If we see customers start to have outages from trees before the area's next planned trimming cycle, we consider clearing these problem areas before the whole circuit is trimmed again,” Hopkins said.

AEP was performing an accelerated tree maintenance effort focusing on the high-voltage transmission lines that run through many central Ohio communities earlier this summer, and that effort is complete, according to Hopkins.

“We are back to routine maintenance,” he said. “The frequency of tree trimming on those high-voltage lines depends on multiple factors, such as growth rates and weather.”

The city of Westerville posted on its website June 23 that some residents were notified of AEP’s intent to clear trees along South Spring Road and other areas where transmission lines intersect neighborhoods and public/private property.

The message from the city said, “Westerville is committed to advocating for our residents and tree canopy. Upon learning of this project, city staff began working to learn more and remain engaged in conversations with AEP to understand this evolving situation. Some impacted trees are located on private property and within park space, and AEP has utility easement rights to trim and clear in those areas. AEP anticipates working in Westerville and other communities over the next four to six weeks and say they have made arrangements for cleanup to take place within one to two weeks of trimming and removals.”

AEP Ohio’s customer service team can be contacted by phone at 800-672-2231 or AEP Ohio online at aepohio.com.

mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekMarla

This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: AEP Ohio performing regular tree maintenance around power lines to help prevent outages