Our transmission system involves the interconnecting power lines that move high voltage electricity from where it is produced to our substations. The management of the rights-of-way for these lines and related equipment is highly critical, as any interruption could impact large areas of our service territory.
- A notorious example of a transmission outage initiated by trees is the 2003 blackout that interrupted service to more than 50 million customers throughout the northeast and midwest United States and Canada. Fortunately, Duquesne Light Company (DLC) customers were not affected by that blackout. Trees with the potential to damage electrical facilities and disrupt the transmission of electricity to DLC substations and customers often are removed.
- Management involves the removal of vegetation growing on the right-of-way floor that is incompatible and has the potential to interfere with overhead power lines in the future. Brush on the rights-of-way floor that impedes access to overhead facilities during routine maintenance, storms and emergencies also is removed.
- Vegetation is managed for transmission right-of-way floor through the professional and selective application of herbicides. Proper herbicide use reduces the density of undesirable, tall-growing vegetation and allows for the establishment of desirable, low-growing species on the rights-of-way floor that are suitable for wildlife and their habitats.