Vegetation Control

Overview

There are over 32,000 kilometres of power transmission lines which cross Québec over a wide range of natural environments, including more than 135,000 hectares of wooded areas.

Hydro-Québec periodically clears the trees and shrubs growing under its transmission lines which cross wooded areas, in the same way as it does in enclosed areas (switchyards) at its substations and telecommunications sites, and in the vicinity of its dikes and dams. Controlling the growth of vegetation in transmission line rights-of-way consists in giving preference to planting and maintaining low-growing plants such as herbaceous species and shrubs.

According to property rights and servitudes held by Hydro-Québec on transmission line rights-of-way, it is strictly prohibited to encroach on such areas, through prohibited use or occupation of a particular right-of-way. Every year, Hydro-Québec observes many infractions with respect to the servitudes it holds. These infractions oblige the company to take action against owners who are sometimes poorly informed.

Vegetation control and strict surveillance of the use of transmission line rights-of-way are intended to safeguard the public and Hydro-Québec employees, to guarantee a reliable supply of power and protect electrical installations against forest fires. If you are wondering whether a specific use is permitted or if you would like more information, please contact Hydro-Québec by calling the phone number shown in the upper right-hand corner of your electricity bill.