Power Line Safety

Healthy trees are crucial for our environment, but those near power lines can cause outages if diseased or overgrown. We trim trees around high voltage wires every 5-7 years and only trim outside this schedule for significant hazards.

Homeowners must also trim branches near low voltage lines to prevent damage. Understand the two types of power lines we use and follow guidelines for vegetation near them.

The wooden poles that run along roads and connect to homes and businesses are called distribution lines. These lines power our everyday lives, but they can be damaged by improperly planted or weakened trees. Closely monitor the growth of any trees near distribution lines on your property.

Transmission lines are large wooden or steel poles that transfer high-voltage power. They often run across the landscape or behind homes. Because these lines carry such high voltages, Rhode Island Energy has established rights of way (ROWs) where vegetation growth around transmission lines is strictly regulated to prevent damage.