Tree trimming reduces outages, wildfire risk and rates
by Eric Eriksen

The San Luis Valley wildfire season typically starts in June and continues until October. However, wildfire preparation requires year-round activities for SLVREC. No matter the season, we continuously take action to mitigate wildfire risk to help ensure reliable and safe service to our members and communities. 

SLVREC implements several mitigation procedures. The first measure is our proactive vegetation management program, otherwise known as tree trimming. We partner with Asplundh, who is the global (and Colorado) leader in vegetation management. There is a good chance that if you see their trucks, equipment or people working on vegetation in the Valley, they are working for us.

These crews trim or remove encroaching branches, vegetation or hazard trees in our 2,800 miles of powerline rights-of-way (ROW) that threaten to contact. They adhere to Rural Utility Service (RUS) industry standard clearance requirements. Well-maintained ROWs serve as effective firebreaks, slowing or stopping wildfire progress and providing critical time and access for firefighting and powerline operation. The benefits of SLVREC’s proactive program go beyond reducing wildfire risk. It reduces outages, enhances grid reliability and protects people.

Occasionally, trees do touch powerlines, such as during a high wind event.  The second proactive measure is using electric system automation for early detection and isolation to mitigate the impact of trees contacting powerlines. This auto-mation will attempt to determine if the contact was momentary by briefly isolating power, and re-energizing (reclosing). If the event was not momentary, then the automation will permanently lock out power to the area. If you wonder why sometimes the power blinks, this could be the reason; automation is working to mitigate a potential hazard event. Finally, the automation reports back to our system operator triggering deployment of SLVREC linemen to patrol and repair the system.

The third measure is working with subject matter experts to analyze and revise our vegetation and wildfire mitigation plan for continuous improvement. Technology, weather and regulations are examples of how the environment we live in is constantly changing. We must evolve too. Tree trimming is not optional; it’s essential. We are continually evaluating data driven steps to develop the best program resulting in safe, reliable and affordable operation of the electric system, therefore, reducing outages, wildfire risk and rates. In 2025, we are adopting an improved vegetation and wildfire management program.

So how can you help? Send us your feedback. Whether it’s asking to learn more, identifying a hazard, asking for help or letting us know when we make a mistake, we want to hear from you.  Connect with us online, in person or through our social media channels. However you choose to connect, please let us know how we can serve you better.

For more information or feedback on SLVREC vegetation and wildfire management, please email power@slvrec.com or call 719-852-3538 to visit with our electric operations team.