Trees & Power

Linemen clearing a fallen tree on the ground.Cloverland Electric Cooperative maintains approximately 4,000 miles of distribution line. Due to the size of our service territory and its diverse terrain, a well-maintained right-of-way is critical in providing our 43,000 meters with safe, reliable electricity.

There are many different causes of power outages. However, trees contacting power lines continues to be the leading cause. By clearing trees and brush from our distribution rights-of-way, we significantly improve the quality of service delivered to you, and reduce the number of tree-related power interruptions and outages.

As a co-op member, you allow for the maintenance of the right-of-way. Both the National Electric Safety Code and the Michigan Public Service Commission require that we maintain a safe clearance around wires not only for public safety, but to ensure reliable electric service.

Cloverland requires clearance of 15 feet on either side of a utility pole. Trees located outside of home landscapes, immature trees and other forms of brush that may potentially come in contact with electric lines are removed. Vines growing on poles, guy wires or other equipment are cut near the ground.

Managing vegetation is an increasingly costly component of providing reliable electrical service. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of property owners in completing this important work.

Cloverland Electric Cooperative Bylaws

Responsibilities

House and power pole illustration showing the transformer connected to the power pole. Primary wires going from the power poles. The secondary wires going from the power pole to the service mast against the house which connects to the meter socket. Cloverland Electric Cooperative is responsible to get the electricity to your meter. Lines and equipment beyond the meter are the member’s responsibility. However, the mast on the house (the pipe the wires run down to the meter panel – see illustration) is the member’s responsibility. For example, if a tree damages the mast, an electrician will need to make repairs at your home.

Reliability

Trees can add tremendous value to our homes and communities. They are a source of beauty in our landscapes, provide food and shelter for wildlife, shade our homes, cleanse the air along with other benefits. However, trees growing near power lines present challenges.

A primary cause of blinks and power outages is trees contacting power lines. When tree limbs grow too close to power lines, they can cause damage or interrupt your service. They could also create a safety hazard to you or your neighbors and slow the restoration process following an outage. We make every effort to provide you with safe and reliable electric service. To provide quality service, it is necessary to prune or remove trees when they are located too close to power lines even in a home landscape setting.