How does Progress Energy maintain transmission rights of way?
Maintaining the rights of way under Progress Energy transmission lines is essential for the reliable operation of the line and the safety of employees and the public. Progress Energy maintains rights of way by mowing or hand-cutting the entire right of way width every three years. Trimming residential areas and street trees generally every two years. Some areas may be on a three-year cycle but two is more common. “Danger tree” cutting on an average seven- to nine-year cycle. The cycle is specific to each line depending on the right-of-way width, the line voltage, type of line construction and type of easement. A “danger tree” is any tree outside of the right of way that, if it fell, could either come near the conductor or partially block the right of way. Progress Energy purchases the rights to address these danger trees when purchasing the right-of-way property. The right to cut a danger tree does not give Progress Energy the right to own or remove the danger tree from the area. Herbi
