Plant with a plan
Tips for a safe, smart spring planting season
Everyone’s favorite season for planting and landscaping is here! This spring, plan ahead for safety and help us keep the lights on by ensuring your trees and plants don’t come in contact with electrical equipment.
Underground power lines
If your home has underground electric service, you have an important role to play in ensuring the safety and reliability of your power. Homes with underground service may have a dedicated pad-mounted transformer on the property. PEC crews could need access to these for maintenance or to restore power at any time, including the middle of the night.
If the area around a transformer does not have the proper clearance, lineworkers may have no choice but to quickly remove plants or landscaping that are in the way of accessing the transformer during an outage or emergency.
Overhead power lines
For members with overhead electric service, it’s important to plant the right tree in the right place. Consider the mature size of the species to prevent trees, bushes, and plants from growing under electric lines. Visit pec.coop/trees or more information.
Know who to call
Underground power lines can extend in any direction from a pad-mounted transformer. If you’re digging 16 inches or deeper, call Texas811 first — it’s the law, and it could save your life.
If you see trees growing in or near power lines, never trim them yourself! Report it on SmartHub or call us at 888-554-4732.