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02/21/2023 12:07 PMEnergy company Eversource has announced two separate tree and vegetation removal plans in Guilford. The first is slated to begin as soon as the company gets permit approval, according to a company spokesperson. The second project is specific to the almost six miles of high-energy power lines that cross through North Guilford.
Eversource spokesperson Mitchell Gross said the roadway tree trimming is part of the company's long-term safety and maintenance protocols and, once initiated, is scheduled to last until November of this year. Gloss said the company maintains more than 70 miles of roadway in Guilford, and this specific maintenance will focus on Long Hill Road and areas north of Route 80 in North Guilford.
"Every year, we trim or remove trees from approximately one-quarter of our more than 16,000 miles of roadside overhead power lines around the state. This year, work is scheduled along more than 4,300 miles of roadside lines in 131 of the 149 communities we serve, including Guilford. While we all love the trees, the fact is we continue to see fewer power issues where this roadside work has been done," said Gross.
Gross reminds residents to drive carefully when encountering tree work. Many of the impacted roads have curves and blind spots, making for dangerous conditions for workers and drivers.
According to Gross, the second project involves clearing 5.79 miles of the high-energy power line stretching from North Branford across North Guilford and into Madison. This company is also seeking permission from the town to expand its 100-foot right of way along the power lines in some areas, including removing trees or vegetation on private properties. Gross said that all affected property owners will be contacted in person by an Eversource representative before any work begins.
"For all tree work, company representatives work closely with property owners to explain the impacts, retention of wood cut on their property, and more. All contractors carry proper identification and will never seek to enter a private residence. As a reminder, there is no cost to the property owner for any of this work," Gross said.
The power line trimming is expected to affect a small number of property owners directly adjacent to the right of way. Gross said that all property owners should understand what they are and are not responsible for regarding trees and vegetation that could affect electrical transmissions.
"We remind homeowners that they are responsible for tree maintenance on their own property, including keeping branches away from the lower-voltage service wires connecting their homes and businesses to the main utility lines on the street. Eversource strongly recommends contacting a professional tree service to perform this work."
Any resident with questions about the projects, specifically whether trees are their responsibility, should contact Tree Warden Kevin Magee at 203-453-8034.
For more information about Eversource's vegetation management program, visit eversource.com