- Recognition cites quality tree care, including proper
pruning and training in accordance with industry standards
- Program promotes safe, reliable electric service and
abundant, healthy trees
- Since 2017, the company has given away more than 13,000
trees to help customers conserve energy and maximize environmental
benefits through strategic tree planting
ST.
PETERSBURG, Fla., April 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Arbor Day Foundation has
recognized Duke Energy Florida for its tree care practices by
naming the company a "Tree Line USA" utility for the 18th year in a row.
Duke Energy achieved Tree Line USA status by meeting certain criteria such as
following industry standards for quality tree care, including
proper pruning, annually training employees and contractors in best
practices, sponsoring tree plantings and public education programs,
and participating in annual Arbor Day events.
One such event is Duke Energy's annual tree giveaway in
partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's Energy-Saving Trees
program. Each January, Duke Energy customers can order a free tree
in honor of Florida Arbor Day. Since 2017, the company has given
away more than 13,000 trees to customers throughout the state. The
program helps customers conserve energy and reduce energy bills
through strategic tree planting. The trees are shipped in 1-gallon
buckets directly to customers' homes with planting and care
instructions in time for National Arbor Day.
"Trees are a vital part of Florida's natural landscape, but they are also
one of the leading causes of power outages, especially here in
Florida, where high winds and
hurricanes are common," said Melissa
Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. "Our crews and
contractors work hard to balance aesthetics with our responsibility
to protect the lines that deliver power to homes, businesses and
critical services like hospitals, grocery stores and public safety
facilities across the state."
Throughout the year, Duke Energy schedules periodic vegetation
maintenance along power lines to minimize outages caused by trees
in or near transmission and distribution rights of way. The company
also performs additional maintenance ahead of hurricane season.
Tree maintenance practices vary based on the voltage and type of
line, as well as the type of tree and its proximity to the line. In
some cases, the tree may need to be cut down to provide safe and
reliable operation of the line. Trees located within the rights of
way of high-voltage transmission lines are generally removed
instead of pruned.
"We recognize that customers have concerns when trees are
trimmed or removed in their neighborhoods," Seixas said. "Know that
we are following industry standards and federal requirements to
ensure the health of the trees while also ensuring the integrity of
power lines to continue providing the safe, reliable service we all
depend on."
It is important to remember that customers, property owners and
untrained contractors should not prune or cut trees and plants near
power lines. In addition, when planting trees near power lines, be
sure to select a low-growing variety to minimize impact to the
lines. Also, contact Sunshine 811 before digging to
locate any underground utilities, which are often located in
utility easements.
For more information about planning and planting vegetation
around electrical facilities, please visit Duke Energy's Right Tree
Right Place website.
Duke Energy Florida
Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke
Energy (NYSE: DUK), owns 12,300 megawatts of
energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential,
commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile
service area in Florida.
Media contact: Audrey Stasko
Media line: 800.559.3853
Twitter: @DE_AudreyS
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SOURCE Duke Energy