ComEd intends to perform vegetation management activities on distribution circuits in select areas of Bensenville within the next few months (see map below). The vegetation management activities are a key component of ComEd’s maintenance program to ensure system electrical reliability, as vegetation contact with ComEd equipment is a leading cause of outages.
In accordance with applicable statutory requirements, ComEd is required to provide each affected municipality a map (see attached) or common addresses of the area affected by the vegetation management activities.
We recognize that our vegetation management activities sometimes create concern by your residents because trees near our electrical wires are significantly trimmed or sometimes require removal. Qualified line-clearance workers contracted by ComEd will be performing the tree pruning work. Supervisors and General Foremen will be in close contact with the crews, ensuring that the work is performed properly. Additionally, we are strong advocates of proactive efforts to ensure that only appropriate vegetation is planted near our facilities, and our easement and leases usually specify vegetation restrictions. Trees that grow greater than 20 feet, for example maple, elm, and blue spruce, should never be planted under or near distribution power lines. At full height, these trees could contact lines and cause a power outage or create a safety issue. On the other hand, trees and bushes that grow to heights less than 20 feet, for example dogwoods or crabapples, can often be planted near distribution power lines.
