Clearing right-of-way areas near power lines a priority for OPALCO this month

OPALCO shares news about a project that aims to increase power line safety and reliability throughout the San Juan Islands.

OPALCO is clearing the right-of-way areas under power lines this month to protect the island’s electrical system. This clearing prevents power outages caused by overhanging trees and branches, removes forest fuels that could feed a wildfire, and improves safety and access for line crews during power outages. OPALCO is working with professional tree trimming crews on Orcas, Shaw, Lopez and San Juan Island during the month of December to remove trees and other vegetation under or near our power lines.

The removal of potentially hazardous trees around overhead transmission lines reduces outage times and helps all members of the cooperative to have a more reliable system and safer environment. If you see a potentially hazardous tree, call OPALCO at 360-376-3500 so that we can advise and assist in the tree’s removal. Please do not attempt to cut a dead or dying tree that is leaning towards power lines.

Members can also help by leaving room for the OPALCO crew to work safely on the devices in the field and on members’ property. Please keep landscaping, shrubs, and structures at least ten feet away from the front side of electrical devices and at least three feet away from the other sides. OPALCO crews must be able to safely access field devices such as transformers — those green boxes — day or night.

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