Understanding Line Clearing Efforts in Your Area

By Eliecer Viamontes

Asked on: February 24, 2012 by Marc W., Margate

Your Systems Improvements Map implies that trees were cleared from my area, but I’m still seeing trees near the lines. Why is that?

We’re glad you’re using the Systems Improvements Map, Marc. You raise a good question, because the wires on our utility poles vary in their purpose and location. Having a better understanding of the lines in your area may help clarify FPL’s line clearing efforts:

Main power lines and neighborhood lines

As you may know, trees growing near power lines are a key contributor to flickers and outages. To help ensure reliable electric service, FPL proactively clears vegetation growing near our main power lines every three years and our local neighborhood lines every six years, on average. In your area, we recently trimmed vegetation growing near the main power lines.

Power lines and communication wires

In other situations, lines you see with trees growing near them may not be power lines, but communication wires typically owned by phone and cable companies. These lines are the ones located closest to the ground on utility poles, while FPL power lines are usually positioned higher on the poles. FPL’s line-clearing program focuses only on our electric lines.

Stay safe around all overhead lines For your safety, it is important to stay away from all lines on utility poles, regardless of their purpose or location.

If you see a tree touching, or near, power lines or any wires that you think may be power lines, please contact FPL immediately at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243) to report it. Never try to trim any vegetation growing near power lines yourself. Hire only specially trained line-clearing professionals to do that work. All FPL customers can see improvements in their area by visiting www.FPL.com/maps.

Posted in: Ask the Expert, Ensuring Reliability, Featured Posts

Tags: Florida Power and Light, FPL, neighborhood lines, outage, power lines, Systems Improvements Map, utility poles