A right-of-way (ROW) corridor for an electric line is a strip of land that an electric utility uses to construct, maintain, repair or replace an overhead or underground power line. The corridor allows the utility to provide clearance from trees, buildings and other structures that could interfere with line installation, maintenance and operation. Red Lake Electric Cooperative requires a 30-foot clearance on each side of the poles and 15-foot minimum on each side of the poles when approaching a residence.
In most cases, yes. Our experienced forestry crew can visit with you about any concerns members may have. Call the cooperative at (218) 253-2168 or (800) 245-6068.
We can't prevent bad weather, but we can reduce outages caused by falling limbs and trees. Our forestry team works year-round to maintain the right of way. How much they trim depends on the tree. If it's fast growing, the crew will trim branches more than they would for slow-growing trees.
Additionally, Red Lake Electric Cooperative contracts with qualified, independent contractors to apply a spot-treatment of an EPA-approved biodegradable herbicide where there are unwanted trees, brush and noxious weeds. This includes poison ivy around the utility poles and trees and brush that will eventually interfere with electrical service, reliability or accessibility (this does not include areas near gardens or mowed areas).
Please understand that you own the byproducts. Upon your request, the cooperative is willing to assist in clean-up and wood chipping but cannot cost-effectively haul away the remains. All byproducts will be left on your property unless you contact Red Lake Electric Cooperative to make clean-up arrangements.
Contact Red Lake Electric Cooperative at (218) 253-2168 or (800) 245-6068.
The cooperative believes trees are an important part of our environment and community. To avoid dangerous situations and threats to its system, Red Lake Electric supports the philosophy of "the right tree in the right place."
As you landscape your property, remember to "look up," and use the guide above for planting near overhead power lines.
For underground lines on your property, maintain a clearance of 10 feet on either side of the line. This provides room for utility maintenance equipment to access and repair lines when necessary.
Red Lake Electric Cooperative publishes the upcoming year's ROW clearing areas in the Volts & Views newsletter. In addition, members will receive a postcard in the mail and an automated phone notification to the contact number on their account. For property owners without an active service on the property, they will receive a postcard mailed to their last known mailing address.
Members may contact our office if you have any questions or would like clarification on our right-of-way clearing process at (218) 253-2168 or (800) 245-6068. Our forestry team can meet with you at your location to discuss potential options.
If you have a tree on your property that could cause a power outage, contact Red Lake Electric Cooperative. We recommend marking the tree with a flag or paint. Our forestry crew will visit your property for an evaluation.
