Planting the Right Tree in the Right Spot Helps Avoid Power Outages and Reduce Energy Costs
May 21 2008 - 9:12AM
PR Newswire (US)
DETROIT, May 21 /PRNewswire/ -- With tree planting and landscaping
season under way, DTE Energy subsidiary Detroit Edison is
encouraging customers to plant trees that will not grow into and
interfere with power lines and underground transformers. Planting
the right trees or shrubs in the right spot may prevent the need
for trimming or possible removal in the future. Planting in the
proper location also may help reduce the possibility of
storm-related power outages. "Detroit Edison each year trims
thousands of trees to reduce the potential for power outages and to
help ensure safe and reliable electrical service. Our customers can
help prevent tree-related power outages as well, by planting trees
where they won't eventually grow into power lines or by planting
varieties that don't reach power-line height," said Vince Dow, DTE
Energy vice president of Distribution Operations. Tree interference
is responsible for about two-thirds of the power outages that occur
during storms. Storm-related outages can happen when high winds,
rain and lightning damage trees and branches, causing them to fall
into power lines. "Tree purchases and landscaping are long-term
investments," Dow said. "Planning for overhead and underground
utility clearances can help customers protect their investments for
years to come." Planting to save energy Because trees branch out,
as well as up, the shape and spread of the tree needs to be
considered. A local nursery can provide information on selecting
the best tree to fit a yard. In many newer subdivisions and
commercial areas, power lines may be located underground.
Transformer cabinets for underground utilities require periodic
maintenance. An eight-foot clearance is required from the front of
the transformer and a two-foot clearance is needed around the back
and sides. Customers should keep these distances in mind when
planning landscaping. Trees and bushes that obstruct the
transformer cabinets will be removed if necessary to perform
maintenance. Well-planned landscaping and tree planting can help
reduce home energy costs. Place trees that lose their leaves in the
fall on the south and west sides of the house to provide shade,
which may lower air conditioning costs. Evergreen trees planted on
the north and west sides protect against winter winds, which can
help reduce heating costs. For more information about planting the
right tree in the right place for appropriate utility clearance and
energy savings, including a detailed listing of trees suitable for
Southeastern Michigan, visit my.dteenergy.com and search for
"trees." Locating underground lines before planting DTE Energy also
reminds customers planning a landscaping project to avoid digging
accidents by calling MISS DIG to locate underground utility lines.
MISS DIG is a statewide, one-call center for construction safety
and utility damage prevention. Customers can reach MISS DIG
toll-free by calling 811 or (800) 482-7171. MISS DIG will contact
the local utilities where the work is to be performed. Within three
days, the utilities will use staking flags and/or paint to mark the
approximate location of underground gas, electric, telephone,
water, sewer and storm lines and drains. "Digging accidents that
damage utility lines can cause service disruptions, financial
penalties, injury and even death," said Dow. "Making one quick
toll-free call to MISS DIG is an easy way to prevent serious
problems." DATASOURCE: DTE Energy CONTACT: Eileen Dixon,
+1-313-235-9154, or Lorie Kessler, +1-313-235-8807, both for DTE
Energy Web site: http://www.dteenergy.com/ http://my.dteenergy.com/
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