Southeastern Indiana REMC doesn’t merely provide power — it nurtures reliability through its vegetation management program. Over the past five years, this program has evolved into a beacon of efficiency and success, ensuring uninterrupted service for homes and businesses alike.
Kurtis Gregory, the right-of-way foreman at Southeastern Indiana REMC, oversees the delicate balance between nature and infrastructure. “Our aim is more than just keeping the lights on; it’s about safeguarding against outages caused by overgrown vegetation,” Gregory explains. “We’re not simply trimming trees; we’re preserving reliability.”
George Bultman, the tree trimming foreman, echoes this sentiment. “Each branch we prune is an investment in reliability,” he states. “It’s about anticipating potential hazards and addressing them before they escalate.”
Southeastern Indiana REMC’s vegetation management program operates on a planned five-year cycle. This involves regular inspections, proactive trimming, and strategic planning to maintain clear right-of-ways. By staying ahead of nature’s growth, the REMC minimizes the risk of tree-related outages — resulting in fewer service interruptions for its members.
Gregory emphasizes the collaborative nature of their approach. “We work closely with our members to strike a balance between reliability and environmental preservation,” he says. “It’s about finding solutions that benefit everyone.”
The return on investment for Southeastern Indiana REMC’s vegetation management program extends beyond financial savings. By preventing outages, the REMC avoids the costly repercussions of downtime and emergency repairs. Moreover, the program fosters trust and reliability among its members, reinforcing the REMC’s commitment to service excellence.
Bultman highlights the impact of their efforts. “Since implementing the five-year cycle, we’ve witnessed a significant reduction in tree-related outages,” he notes. “That’s a testament to the effectiveness of our program.”
However, the most significant outcome of Southeastern Indiana REMC’s vegetation management program is the sense of resilience it instills in the community.
“When storms rage and winds howl, our members can rely on us,” Gregory says. “That’s the true measure of success.”
As Southeastern Indiana REMC continues to refine its vegetation management program, one thing remains clear: cultivating reliability isn’t just about trimming branches; it’s about nurturing a sense of security and trust that powers communities forward, one tree at a time.
Plant trees in the right place!
When planting trees, remember to plant them at least 20 feet from power lines and never directly underneath or close to where the growth of the tree will interfere with the power lines.
Property owners should never attempt to trim or remove tree limbs near power lines. If you are concerned about a tree near power lines, please call
800-737-4111.
