Right-of-way maintenance means fewer power outages

Every year at this time people in south Louisiana brace themselves for another potentially destructive hurricane season. The 2016 hurricane season began on June 1 and continues through November 30. Myron A. Lambert, manager of Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Corporation, said, “Since we cannot stop hurricanes the only thing we can do is work on being better prepared and know what to do in case one hits.”

Pointe Coupee Electric has no control over severe weather that can cause power outages, but the co-op can reduce the frequency and duration of outages through a vigilant right of way maintenance program.

Tree trimming and all phases of right-of-way maintenance are essential to ensuring reliable electric service. This is particularly true in rural areas where so many miles of power lines are exposed. A major portion of all electric blinks occur when a limb comes in contact with power lines or equipment causing a momentary short circuit. If the limb is not cleared from the line promptly, a complete loss of power can result.

Right-of-way maintenance is so important to an electric system’s reliability that Pointe Coupee Electric spends approximately $835,000 annually to maintain its 1,098 miles of line. It takes three years for the cooperative to trim all the trees in its service territory just once. It takes 12 months to apply herbicides and mow all of the right-of- way.

“Reliable electric service is our number one priority,” said Lambert, “and our right-of-way maintenance program is vital in helping us meet the commitment to our members.” Members are encouraged to cooperate with right-of-way maintenance crews in order to ensure reliable and safe service.

Pointe Coupee Electric Membership Corporation is your electric cooperative serving areas of Pointe Coupee, West Baton Rouge and Iberville parishes. PC Electrical currently has storm preparedness brochures, hurricane tracking charts and portable generator safety guidelines available at their office at 2506 False River Drive in New Roads. Stop by Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m and 4:30 p.m. to pick up these helpful brochures. You can visit their website at www.pcemc.org and download this helpful information. Pointe Coupee Electric is an equal opportunity provider and employer.