What is a right-of-way?

It is a legal agreement that allows us access to the property directly beneath and on either side of an electric power line to perform maintenance or repairs. We may also need to remove trees and brush that would obstruct our activities in the right-of-way.

Why is right-of-way maintenance important?

Right-of-way maintenance is essential to prevent future power outages. Regular maintenance reduces the chances of falling trees or limbs causing power outages, especially during storms.

How often does regular right-of-way maintenance occur?

Trees are trimmed and/or removed on a 4-year cycle to keep up with the growth patterns of most species. If necessary, trees are removed (with the landowner’s permission) to maintain a proactive approach to prevent possible future issues from occurring.

Spraying occurs every four years when trimming is not scheduled. Spraying occurs in unmaintained areas around powerlines, not in yards, fields or pastures.

What area do tree trimmers maintain?

The right-of-way is everything within 15 feet on each side of the power line. The tree trimmers or sprayers clear 15 feet on each side.

How long before the trimming is cleaned up?

Brush and limb clean-up typically takes longer than trimming; therefore, all brush and/or limbs should be cleaned up within 5 business days. If debris has been left in your yard for longer than 5 business days, please contact our office by submitting a request for follow-up. 

What are “danger trees?”

Danger trees are trees above or below the power line that are dead, dying, uprooting, or leaning within 15 feet on each side of the power line.

How do I report a “danger tree” or something else in the right-of-way that needs to be addressed?

Please complete the form HERE. 

Right of Way Contractors are on my property. What can I expect?

Our ROW contractor will contact you directly with specific information if work needs to be done on your property.  Contractors will have clearly marked vehicles with Cullman EC decals. They will take the safest route to get to the right-of-way areas they need to maintain, which may include coming onto your property. They will do their best not to disturb any other property. Secondary contractor crews are responsible for coming back to the site to ensure cuttings are cleaned up in a timely manner.

Why did the crew cut down a dead or leaning tree outside of the 15’ right-of-way on my property and not clean it up?

The maintenance crews cut “danger trees” as a precautionary measure to prevent future outages. Once they have been cut down, it is the property owner's responsibility to clean up the trees.

Why are contractors "spraying" the right-of-way on my property? 

Cullman Electric Cooperative contracts crews to spray invasive vegetation species, such as Pine, Mimosa, Privet, Bradford Pear, etc., that end up voluntarily growing in the right-of-way. Crews also target vines such as Trumpet and Kudzu, which can climb poles at a rate of 12 to 18 inches per day.

A licensed applicator does all the spraying on site. All products are USDA and EPA-approved. Product selection will depend on location and environmental concerns. For example, different products are approved near water sources, livestock grazing areas, consumable vegetation, and unmaintained areas without the danger of overspray and runoff.

The spray cycle trails the trim cycle by one year. So, if the trees in your right-of-way are trimmed in 2024, you can expect a spray crew to visit in 2025. All spray companies are licensed to apply herbicides targeting the species of invasive vegetation mentioned. 

Important information for property owners.

• • Property owners need to understand the importance of regular maintenance and allow crews to maintain the areas around power lines. If crews encounter locked gates or other restrictions, they are allowed to access the area without notifying the member.

• • Please refer to section 1.6 of the Service Rules and Regulations for further information on Right of Way access.

• • Property owners should notify crews if there is a septic tank or water meter near the right-of-way that could be damaged.

• • Animals, including pets, must be secured and kept away from the crews.

I have additional questions or concerns.

Please complete the form HERE.