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San Diego Gas & Electric: Vegetation Management Innovations |
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With a service territory of 4,100 square miles, San Diego Gas &Electric (SDG&E) manages a wide range of tree species in a diverse mix of ecosystems. This diversity - combined with California�s strict minimum clearance requirements and the needs of more than 35 different municipalities, sovereign Indian nations and public agencies - leaves SDG&E�s vegetation management program little room for error.
Under contract since 1993, Davey Resource Group (DRG) has helped SDG&E develop and execute many innovations and solutions to meet this challenge. To manage the diversity within its territory, SDG&E implemented a system of customized vegetation management areas (VMAs). Each of the 133 VMAs is designed to help manage the specific characteristics of the area. Some follow county and city borders to ensure compliance with regulations for the given area, while others are oriented to natural geographic boundaries.
In early 2005, SDG&E administrators approached DRG to identify ways to better its program. They were looking to improve cost management and enhance quality and customer satisfaction. After completing a pilot program in April 2005, DRG showed the utility the benefits of increasing supervision and working in small teams clustered in the same geographic area. Results, quality and client satisfaction have improved.
Since the new procedures were implemented, DRG has received audit scores of greater than 99 percent for compliance and quality. Currently, DRG identifies the work required to maintain minimum clearances around SDG&E�s high voltage power lines. Our foresters seek approval from private landowners for removal of vegetation. In areas with poles with certain types of equipment that could cause sparks and ignite fires at their bases, DRG also provides pre-inspection services for the creation of 10-foot fire breaks.
DRG supports SDG&E foresters and provides two foresters for the corrective maintenance program to assist with audit work conducted by structural/reinforcement crews. The DRG team also helps resolve refusals from property owners who do not want vegetation trimmed away from their pad-mounted transformers for underground utilities.
For more information, contact Jack McCabe at (805) 438-1502, or call (800) 966-2021.
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