Manitoba Hydro power lines are photographed just outside Winnipeg, Monday, May 1, 2018. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods)
Manitoba Hydro is increasing efforts to manage vegetation around power lines to improve safety and reduce power outages across the province.
The utility says it’s enhancing its vegetation management this year, with crews and contractors trimming or removing trees and clearing brush near electrical infrastructure. In rural areas, heavy equipment and herbicides will also be used to reduce wildfire risks.
“Maintaining a power system that is reliable, and safe for our employees and customers, is always our goal,” said Allan Danroth, Manitoba Hydro president and CEO, in a release. “Our enhanced vegetation management work this year is part of those efforts.”
Tree contact caused more than 2,600 power outages last year and remains a leading cause of electrical disruptions, says the Crown corporation. Overgrown foliage can also pose fire risks and make it harder for crews to safely access fallen lines.
Manitoba Hydro is asking residents to keep a safe distance from any active trimming or clearing crews.
