Manitoba Hydro is trimming more trees, clearing more brush and taking more steps to manage vegetation around power lines to enhance the safety and reliability of Manitoba’s electrical system.
While the utility has always worked to keep trees and brush away from its infrastructure, the company is taking more action along its power lines and equipment.
Manitoba Hydro crews or contractors will enter property to trim or remove trees that are too close to power lines.
“Maintaining a power system that is reliable, and safe for our employees and customers, is always our goal,” said Allan Danroth, President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro. “Our enhanced vegetation management work this year is part of those efforts.”
Tree contact is one of the most common causes of power outages in Manitoba. Last year there were 2,612 tree-related power outages in the province. That’s more than in any of the previous 14 years. Tree contact can spark fires and bring down live electrical lines, which is a safety hazard for anyone nearby and for Manitoba Hydro’s crews sent to repair them.
Dense foliage can make it difficult and more dangerous for Manitoba Hydro crews to find and work on fallen power lines. In addition to trimming trees near power lines, Manitoba Hydro is using heavy machinery to clear brush around its infrastructure in rural areas, and herbicides to prevent growth of specific vegetation. This is also critical for protecting Manitoba Hydro equipment and facilities from wildfires.
In urban areas, trees are usually trimmed around power lines. However, in certain cases, trees may need to be removed entirely depending on the species, location, and hazard they pose to power lines.
While the utility aims to notify property owners in advance of planned vegetation management work, this may not always be possible in urgent situations such as power outages or damage from storms.
If you see Manitoba Hydro crews or contractors trimming, cutting or clearing vegetation, please keep a safe distance away as there may be falling or flying debris.
A Q and A with Manitoba Hydro:
Why does Manitoba Hydro trim, cut and clear vegetation?
• Safety: Trees and other vegetation contacting Manitoba Hydro equipment can start fires and bring down live power lines, which is a hazard for everyone. Thick vegetation can also prevent crews from safely accessing a downed power line and allow the spread of wildfires near our equipment and facilities.
• Reliability: Tree contact is one the most common causes of power outages in Manitoba, and it’s happening more frequently. Keeping trees and other vegetation away from power lines will prevent a lot of power outages.
Manitoba Hydro has always performed vegetation management. What is new?
We are putting more resources into the effort starting this summer. Manitoba Hydro has a Forestry Section that is directing this effort, which also involves contractors trained and equipped for safely trimming and cutting trees near power lines.
Will this work involve power outages?
It’s possible, and if so, you will be informed in advance of a planned power outage. But usually, the work is done without needing to interrupt your service.
How many power lines are affected by trees and vegetation growing nearby?
Manitoba Hydro has 76,000 km of distribution (local) power lines and 14,000 km of transmission (long distance, high voltage) power lines, so there is potentially a great number affected.
Should I trim my own trees?
In general, trees on private property are the responsibility of property owners to manage. You should hire a qualified arborist to keep them away from power lines. They have the training and equipment to do this safely.
What else can I do?
If you are unsure if a tree poses a risk to overhead power lines, you can fill out a Tree Safety Assessment on Manitoba Hydro’s website (https://www.hydro.mb.ca/service/permits/tree-safety-assessment/). Our crews will come to see if a tree on your property needs trimming or removal.
Where will Manitoba Hydro be trimming, cutting and clearing vegetation?
Manitoba Hydro will be removing vegetation from public highways, streets, lanes or other public places on, under, over, across or along which its works are situated. If trees near power lines are causing or may soon cause a safety hazard or an outage, our crews may enter private properties to trim or remove the trees. We always try to provide advance notice of this work, unless it’s an emergency.
Where do you use herbicides and are they harmful?
Herbicides used by Manitoba Hydro are approved by Health Canada to target specific vegetation without damaging the environment or posing a risk to human health. They are typically used in rural or remote areas along wide transmission rights of way and allow for the growth of other vegetation. This also helps protect our equipment and facilities from wildfires.
For more information on vegetation management and the work being done by Manitoba Hydro, please visit hydro.mb.ca/vegetation.
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