Tree trimming supports reliability

To ensure safe and reliable service for all Eastern Iowa REC members, the Cooperative follows a program that maintains our right-of-way (ROW). A ROW refers to a strip of land underneath or around power lines that Eastern Iowa REC has the right and responsibility to maintain and clear. A safe ROW is 15 feet of clearance on either side of the primary conductors and 20 feet of overhead clearance above the highest wire on the pole.

The Cooperative contracts with a tree service to do this work and those crews are managed by the Cooperative's forestry coordinator.

Routine tree trimming is necessary to keep branches from making contact with power lines. This can cause power impairments in many ways by reducing voltage, causing short circuits, complete outages, and fires. The result can be injuries to those close to lines or a lack of power to our homes and businesses.

Never attempt to trim or cut trees near power lines. Contact the Eastern Iowa REC forestry coordinator by phone 

855-938-3616