WILLIAMSPORT, MD News (5/15/2024) – Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has launched an extensive tree-trimming and vegetation management program across its Maryland service area. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance electric service reliability and minimize power outages, particularly during the spring and summer storm seasons.
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The $14.7 million program has seen contractors trim trees along more than 300 miles of power lines since the start of the year. The company aims to complete an additional 1,800 miles of tree-trimming work by the end of 2024. This annual task is vital in preventing tree-related outages that frequently occur during severe weather conditions.
Don McGettigan, Acting President of FirstEnergy’s Maryland Operations, emphasized the importance of this work, stating, “Because trees are a leading cause of power outages, tree trimming is crucial to our reliability efforts and one of the most effective ways we can reduce the impact of tree-related service interruptions for our customers.”
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Crews are tasked with inspecting vegetation near power lines to ensure trees are pruned in a way that preserves their health while maintaining safe clearances from electrical infrastructure. Trees identified as dangerous or diseased are removed to prevent potential hazards.
Potomac Edison collaborates closely with local municipalities to inform them of tree-trimming schedules and ensures that customers residing near power lines are notified before any vegetation management work begins. This proactive communication is designed to keep the community informed and mitigate any inconvenience caused by the maintenance activities.
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The tree-trimming program is a part of FirstEnergy’s commitment to operational excellence and reliability. Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers across seven counties in Maryland, ensuring that these communities receive continuous and reliable electric service.
FirstEnergy’s electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, serving over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Additionally, FirstEnergy’s transmission subsidiaries operate around 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
For more information about Potomac Edison and updates on the tree-trimming program, customers can visit the company’s website at potomacedison.com. Potomac Edison also maintains a presence on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, @PotomacEdison, and Facebook at facebook.com/PotomacEdison.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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