Why does Progress Energy prune trees?
Pruning helps prevent power outages. Trees are a leading cause of electric outages. One of the best ways to reduce outages for customers is to maintain adequate clearance between trees and power lines by pruning on a regular basis. Pruning helps to ensure that your power stays on during normal weather days, as well as during gusty winds, thunderstorms and wintry weather. In addition to outage reduction, another reason to prune trees is customer safety, as well as the safety of Progress Energy employees and contractors. Tree limbs that are too close to, or in contact with, power lines may become energized. Limbs close to the lines may break and fall, bringing the power lines to the ground with them. If this occurs, stay away from the line and anything it is touching, and have someone call Progress Energy and emergency services at 911. • Well-maintained rights of way help speed storm restoration. Well-maintained rights of way allow easier access for personnel and vehicles during storm re
