Branching Out

Mon Power and Potomac Edison were among the FEU operating companies receiving the Tree Line USA Award. Accepting the award are (l. to r.): Todd Riggleman, manager, Forestry Services, Mon Power; Glenn McCann, manager, Forestry Services, Potomac Edison; Michele Dellinger; and Todd Rovello, supervisor, Regional Operations, Mon Power.

August 12, 2019

FirstEnergy Utilities’ (FEU) service area is in one of the most densely vegetated regions of the country – with millions of trees growing near our power lines and other electrical infrastructure. When it comes to vegetation management, we’re focused on delivering safe and reliable electricity while fostering healthy community landscapes.

For more than two decades, FEU’s commitment to proper tree planting, pruning and care has drawn annual accolades from the Arbor Day Foundation and the National Association of State Foresters. In 2019, our operating companies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland were once again honored with the Tree Line USA® designation, which recognizes public and private utilities for pursuing practices that protect and enhance America’s urban trees.

Trees are Terrific!

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization working to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Some employees may remember a popular public service announcement used by the organization in the 1980s and sung by Carly the Cardinal: Trees, trees, Carly’s Arbor Day Foundation, spread the word across the nation about trees. Trees are terrific! More information about the foundation and its programs can be found at ww.arborday.org*.

“We are proud of the commitment our company and employees have made to properly maintaining trees and vegetation in our service area,” said Michele Dellinger, business analyst, Forestry Services, Potomac Edison. “By employing quality tree-care practices, promoting the importance of trees for energy conservation, and helping homeowners identify the appropriate trees to plant near utility equipment, we are cultivating a healthy balance between service reliability and protecting trees in the communities we serve.”

FEU’s operating companies achieved Tree Line USA recognition by meeting five program requirements:

  • Following industry standards for quality tree care
  • Providing annual worker training in best tree-care practices
  • Sponsoring a tree-planting and public education program
  • Maintaining a tree-based energy conservation program
  • Participating in an Arbor Day celebration

“FirstEnergy maintains approximately 14,000 miles of transmission line corridors, so properly maintaining vegetation in a sustainable manner that doesn’t interfere with electrical equipment can be a challenge,” said Becky Spach, director, Vegetation Management. “Our employees and certified forestry contractors work year-round to properly maintain trees and vegetation to help reduce the frequency and duration of service interruptions for customers.
We thank them for their efforts and commend them for receiving this honor.”

FEU employees and certified forestry contractors work year-round to properly maintain trees and vegetation to help reduce the frequency and duration of service interruptions for customers.