EEA Electricity Engineers' Association

Risk Based Vegetation Management (Guide)

2016

ENA and EEA have jointly prepared a voluntary risk based methodology guide to assist network companies to proactively manage fall zone trees and vegetation aimed at improving the overall security, performance and safety of an electricity network.

The Guide has been widely consulted and provides a framework to assist in prioritising trees and vegetation that may damage or otherwise contact electric lines because of their proximity but are not covered by the requirements of the Electricity (Hazard from Trees) Regulations.

The purpose of this Guide is to present a risk based methodology that provides direction on how to proactively manage fall zone trees and vegetation to improve the overall security, performance and safety of an electricity network. A reliable and secure electricity supply is essential for communities and businesses, from a social, economic and safety perspective.

Vegetation management is critical to the performance of overhead lines. Interference with overhead lines by trees and other vegetation causes a variety of electricity supply issues ranging from transient interruptions due to vegetation touching the line, through to severe damage and outages from trees or parts of trees falling onto lines or supporting structures. Fires and other public safety issues may also arise.

Network Operators are required in accordance with the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 (the Tree Regulations) to advise tree/land owners of the tree hazard when vegetation is close to encroaching the Notice Zone or the Growth Limit Zone requirements of the Regulations.

Note: This is a free guide, which will be available for download, once you complete the 'update and view' my cart process.

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