Components of an Effective Vegetation Management Program (2006 IEEE Rural Electric Power Conference)

Abstract

ECI has evaluated more than 150 electric utility vegetation management programs throughout the United States and internationally. Common traits were evident in those programs deemed to be successful. This paper discusses the components of a successful vegetation management program and the paths to achieving vegetation management success. Five phases of successful program development and implementation include: (1) workload quantification and strategic plans, (2) work practices and standards, (3) master plans and annual schedules, (4) contract management processes, and (5) record keeping. Specific examples of how Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) has implemented these phases over the past 10 years in the development of a successful vegetation management program have been included