Trees that grow too close to electric power lines can create a serious public safety hazard and can also cause interruptions to customers' electrical service.  Trees that grow near or fall into the power lines can conduct electricity and anyone touching the tree or standing near the tree has the potential for severe electric shock. If you see a tree making contact with a power line, stay a safe distance away and call FortisBC immediately (1-866-4FORTIS). To reduce the likelihood of such dangerous occurrences, FortisBC works very hard throughout the year to manage vegetation surrounding power lines.

FortisBC is responsible for and will clear all of the wires along the Company's main power line routes and has confirmed its vegetation management plan under the Integrated Pest Management Act and Regulations. The purpose of the plan is to ensure electrical system reliability and the health and safety of the public and workers in and around FortisBC power lines.

FortisBC's Vegetation Management Program on all right-of-way transmission lines (power line corridors) and distribution lines throughout its service area.

FortisBC's Facilities Pest Management Plan which covers management within generation, facilities, electrical facilities (substations, terminals and switching stations) buildings, structures and pole yards throughout its service area.

FortisBC's Wood Pole Maintenance Pest Management Plan which covers management of all FortisBC wood poles on all power line corridors, road frontage areas, generation facilities and electrical facilities throughout its service area as well as wood poles on FortisBC owned or leased property.

Vegetation Management on Customer Lines

FortisBC generally does not clear vegetation near the secondary power lines supplying electricity to customers unless there is a serious electrical hazard. It is recommended that homeowners hire professional tree trimmers when managing their own trees. On request, FortisBC may remove the wire to allow tree removal to take place, and reinstall the line once the task is complete. In most cases there is no charge for this service.

For additional information on tree trimming and removal, click here.

For additional information on landscaping and gardening around padmounted transformers, click here.