Crews Need Safe Access for Maintenance, Power Restoration, and Vegetation Management

One of the essential aspects of maintaining a safe and reliable electric system is ensuring crews and contractors can access power lines and equipment when needed. This access is provided through utility easements and public rights-of-way. 

What is a Utility Easement?

A utility easement is a legal property right that allows United Power to build, operate, inspect, maintain, repair, and replace electric lines and equipment on a specific portion of private property. 

Property owners retain ownership of their land, but the easement grants United Power rights necessary to provide safe and reliable electric service, including access for maintenance, inspections, vegetation management, and emergency restoration.

Why is Access Important?

United Power crews and contractors need access to utility easements and electric facilities to safely operate and maintain the system. Some activities include:

• Vegetation Management. When trees grow too close to electric facilities, they can become a serious threat to the reliability and safety of the electric system.
• Maintenance. United Power conducts regular maintenance across its system to ensure reliability or improve performance.
• Inspections. Inspections are performed to determine whether equipment needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Power Restoration. Safe access to these areas helps crews reduce outage times for all members.

When United Power crews or contractors are working on or near your property, they may need to access utility easements or facilities within a public right-of-way. Please avoid approaching crews or contractors while they are performing work around electric facilities in easements and public rights-of-way for everyone’s safety.