CEO Corner

Spring is a time of renewal. Soon, green will start taking over the area’s hills, hollers, and tree lines and will be painting a clear reminder of the beauty God gave us in the Ozarks. We are so lucky to get to call this place home.

If you’re like me, you’ll soon be making plans to plant trees, shrubs, and flowers to enhance the beauty of your property. When planting a tree near electric lines, choosing the right location is critical to avoid potential hazards and future maintenance issues. Tree limbs touching power lines can cause power outages, spark fires, or even pose a safety risk during storms. A tree’s roots can also interfere with underground utilities. That’s why before you dig, you should always call Missouri One Call at 8-1-1 to know where to plant. When you plant a tree in the right place, with the proper clearance, you ensure the tree has room to thrive without obstructing utility access, while also reducing the need for costly pruning down the road. By planning ahead, you can help ensure that both the tree and power lines can coexist safely and efficiently.

To do our part, our Right-of-Way crews routinely clear trees, mow, and apply herbicide treatments as necessary steps to provide reliable service for our members. Missouri state statutes authorize the removal of any vegetation within 15 feet of the center power line to be removed. While the bill authorizes a 60-foot removal area, White River Valley Electric Cooperative chooses to restrain cutting whenever possible to 30 feet. WRVEC provides communication via your preferred method of postcards or email to inform members when planning right-of-way work near your homes or businesses.

To ensure you receive all the communications we provide, now is a good time to do some spring cleaning and review your contact information. You can verify your information by logging into your SmartHub account or by contacting one of our friendly Member Representatives at 1-800-879-4056.

As we go into this season of growth and renewal, I wish for you endless fish on your lines, sunny days, and time to slow down enough for you to bask in the beauty of the Ozarks this time of year.