Help NAEC keep the lines clear

At North Alabama Electric Cooperative, linemen must be prepared to respond to outages caused by everything from wildlife on the wires to car accidents taking out power poles. But one of the most common causes of outages on our system is far simpler: falling debris disrupting power lines.

When storms and high-speed winds hit our system, they can bring loose tree limbs and other debris down on electric lines and interrupt your service. These outages are frustrating for members and time-consuming to repair, which is why NAEC trims any trees or vegetation growing too close to our lines.

Maintaining that space around lines, or right of way, is essential to helping NAEC provide affordable and reliable electric service. However, because the cooperative maintains hundreds of miles of lines, we also depend on our members to help out by staying aware of rights of way on their own property.

If you plant new trees or other tall plants near power lines or electrical equipment, please account for right-of-way space before deciding on placement. Keeping distribution lines safe and clear of obstructions is just one way we can all save money while making sure the lights stay on.

Clear the way

NAEC clears growth 15 feet from each side of an active power line, resulting in:

• 30 feet of space around active, single-phase poles.
• 38 feet of space around active, three-phase poles.

Do your part

Maintain a “safe zone” when planting trees

Maintenance Zone

No vines, shrubs or trees should be planted within 10 feet of the farthest point on a utility pole.

Low Zone

10-20 feet or farther from Maintenance Zone.
Examples: Redbud, Dogwood

Medium Zone

20-50 feet or farther from Maintenance Zone.
Examples: Holly, Ornamental Cherry

Tall Zone

50 feet or farther from Maintenance Zone.
Examples: Maple, Spruce, Oak, Pine