Image: Vegetation and Power Lines – Distribution
Link: Vegetation and Power Lines – Distribution Home Page

Hazards and nuisances if the required minimum clearance is not maintained

What is meant by “required minimum clearance”?

The required minimum clearance takes into account:
  • - the span and height of the fully mature tree or shrub
  • - a safety margin around medium-voltage lines
  • - risk factors such as vulnerability to wind or ice damage

Remember:

If you do not maintain the required minimum clearance when planting a tree or shrub, you are taking these risks:

  • The tree will grow too close to the medium-voltage line.
  • The tree may catch fire if a branch comes too close to a power line: hazard for the neighborhood, power failure, damage to the tree.
  • On a windy day, a branch may fall onto the power line and break it: hazard for passers-by, power failure for the entire neighborhood.
  • Hydro-Québec will periodically prune the tree, which will lose its natural shape.
  • Maintenance costs for the power system and electricity bills may ultimately be affected.
Image : Le saviez-vous ?
More than 40% of power failures are caused by branches and trees falling onto overhead power lines.
Link: Hydro-Québec's Home Page