BELCO Urges Safety While Trimming Trees

Following the Ministry of Public Works’ notice to residents, BELCO said they would like to remind the public to “please use caution when cutting back trees in close proximity of power lines.”

Earlier this month the Ministry said that “collecting garbage in some neighbourhoods is becoming quite difficult as a result of overhanging trees and hedges” and “areas that do not comply with written requests to trim back overhanging limbs and hedges will have their curb-side waste collection suspended until appropriate trimming has occurred.”

A BELCO spokesperson said, “In light of the Ministry of Public Works’ notice to residents, BELCO would like to remind the public to please use caution when cutting back trees in close proximity of power lines.

“If vegetation is close to power lines, please contact BELCO to make arrangements for power to be interrupted while work is carried out.

“Power interruption requests must be made at least three weeks in advance, so that neighbors can be advised of the scheduled interruption. Please contact BELCO at 296-3408 or treetrimming@belco.bm to arrange for landscaping-related power interruptions.

“Further, a combination of sun and rainy weather this summer has produced an overwhelming growth of vegetation across the Island. Overgrown vegetation has the potential to contribute to outages in windy or stormy weather.

“BELCO maintains a tree-trimming program for its overhead main line system and major branch lines. However, tree trimming on private property is the responsibility of the property owner.

“BELCO encourages homeowners to address overgrown vegetation on their property, trimming trees and other vegetation at least 10 feet away from power lines. All such work should be carried out in a safe manner.

“The BELCO representative who disconnects the power will ensure that the person in charge of the work on site is informed of the limits of the work zone.

“In addition, the BELCO representative on site will post danger notices on any adjacent live apparatus in order to clearly identify the safe working zone. Customers will be advised to treat the system as if it were live and to avoid all contact with BELCO equipment.

“Prior to the power being restored, the BELCO representative will:

• 1. Ensure that the person in charge of the work is informed that the section is about to be made live.
• 2. Ensure that the isolated section is clear and intact prior to switching power back on.
• 3. Ensure that the person in charge of the work is informed when power has been restored to that section.
• 4. Ensure that any danger notices posted have been removed.
• 5. There is no charge to the customer for this service.

#BELCO #PlantsAndFlowers

Category: All, Environment