Electric Power Line Inspection

PEPCO planners continue to work in various neighborhoods inspecting only overhead power lines for vegetative growth that is encroaching the space near the lines. Maryland Public Service Commission requires specific clearance distance around the power lines based on their voltage. The line clearance requirements were instituted as a mechanism to maintain reliability standards to consumers. The line inspection occurs cyclically on a 4-5 year schedule to maintain the required clearance distance surrounding the power lines.

Due to Covid-19 conditions, the review process has been altered from the previous ride-along process, only requested or planned tree removals are being reviewed and discussed via an emailed list from the planner and independently conducted inspection by City staff. Specific tree pruning locations have not been identified to the City staff. The PEPCO planners indicated that detailed maps will be shared with the City, which include all planned line clearance work, (brush cutting, pruning and removals) prior to work beginning.

Areas that have been planned or are in the planning stage are College Park Estates, Yarrow, North College Park, Calvert Hills, and Old Town neighborhood. City staff has reviewed the list of requested tree removals in College Park Estates and Yarrow neighborhoods; however, work in this area has yet to be scheduled. Line clearance planning is continuing in North College Park and is nearly complete in Calvert Hills and Old Town neighborhoods.

Residents are encouraged to respond to the PEPCO planners that have left door hangers related to planned private tree work for power line clearance.