During an average year, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative cuts 7,000 dead trees, an average of one dead tree per mile of line. In 2023, Sam Houston EC cut 26,000 dead trees which is an average of 3.6 trees per mile of line. So far for 2024, 11,000 dead trees have been cut, averaging 6.9 trees per mile of line.
Sam Houston EC began its “dead tree program” in 2021, Chad Simon said during a recent program for the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce.
“Following Winter Storm Uri, a lot of the hardier trees were damaged, causing problems on our lines. Then, we had the drought last year,” Simon said.
“It’s a huge expense for us and it’s time-consuming, so we start on the west side and then make our way east,” he said.
Expensive and timeconsuming though it may be, with over 7,000 miles of power lines, it’s almost imperative.
“It’s part of our right of way program, but not to be confused with trimming the rights of way,” he said, commenting that Sam Houston EC currently has 10 different contractor crews working across the system, specifically on the dead tree program. He said the power lines are on a five-year trim cycle, but that if a branch is noticed near a line, it can be reported and they will inspect it. Every mile of the 7,000plus miles of line is patrolled annually across the 10 counties the electric cooperative serves.
Upon discovery of the dead and hazardous trees, Simon said crews identify them, cut them, and leave them there.
“We will leave the tree in a safe area for you. We do not remove debris from dead trees, as they are your property. We don’t actually own the trees. We own the power lines. We can’t pay to have them cut up and removed,” he said.
“As for the recent storms, I wasn’t here during Hurricane Harvey, but those who were, compared them to Harvey. These were not your typical East Texas weather storms,” Simon said.
We’re in hurricane season now. Make sure you have battery-powered backups. Be prepared to evacuate the area. If we get a major hurricane – Category 3 or above – it can take up to two weeks to repair and restore our system,” Simon said.
Call 800-458-0381 to speak to a member service representative. They will be able to answer questions or put you in contact with the right of way department.
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