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Vegetation Management: Trends and Case Studies in Distribution
Reliability 2007
More states to toughen rules for utility vegetation management programs in 2007, Chartwell predicts
ATLANTA – December 19, 2006 – More states will toughen Vegetation Management (VM) regulations in 2007 to strengthen the reliability of electrical distribution systems and to address public concern of major power outages, says a new Chartwell report.
VM programs represent one of the largest ongoing maintenance expenses for electric utility companies, totaling more than $2 billion nationwide each year. Most states leave VM practices up to individual utilities. Yet, a growing number of state public service commissions are pushing for more aggressive tree trimming programs, according to Vegetation Management: Trends and Case Studies in Distribution Reliability 2007.
Florida adopted tougher standards in 2006 as part of an overall push to improve hurricane readiness. Kentucky, Missouri and Pennsylvania are studying whether more aggressive vegetation management standards are needed. Look for more states to follow suit, particularly in response to major power outages such as those witnessed this month in the Midwest and Northwest, according to the Chartwell report.
"As federal agencies implement new vegetation management standards affecting electricity transmission, Chartwell predicts state regulatory bodies will continue to toughen vegetation management distribution rules, or at least require increased reporting from utility companies," says Scott Johnson, Chartwell Senior Research Analyst.
Other trends to watch in 2007 identified by Chartwell are:
- Utilities and regulators will continue to debate the best approach to vegetation management.
- New technology will provide utilities with new tools to tackle this ongoing challenge.
Vegetation Management: Trends and Case Studies in Distribution Reliability 2007 reviews these developments and the responses of utilities in the affected territories. The report also chronicles actions by several utilities in 2006 to boost VM activities independent of state regulation.
The report is available only to Chartwell’s Premier Members or members of Chartwell’s Energy Delivery & Reliability Series. The series includes research reports, monthly news reporting and analysis and other publications. For additional information on this Chartwell research series, please contact Bill Grist at bgrist@chartwellinc.com or (800) 432-5879.
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Chartwell Inc. seeks to provide a better understanding of technologies, issues and management practices in the utility and retail energy services industry through best practices case studies and quantitative research.
