Transmission Line and Right-of-Way Maintenance and Safety
Operating a safe and reliable electric transmission system requires continuous monitoring of transmission structures and equipment. This means LCRA personnel regularly assess the transmission system and perform maintenance on equipment and vegetation. Regularly scheduled vegetation maintenance is a significant component of our care of the transmission line right of way as it helps to ensure safety and manage electric transmission costs.
LCRA TSC is committed to being a good neighbor and respecting your property while performing these tasks. Find out more about what you can expect during maintenance and how land in rights of way can be used in this Transmission right-of-way guide (en Español).
How you can help ensure safety
Although LCRA inspects rights of way regularly, you can help avoid electrical accidents and outages while protecting yourself by observing these guidelines:
- Contact LCRA if you notice trees, limbs or tall, heavy brush growing in rights of way.
- As a general rule, do not plant trees or shrubs in rights of way.
- Talk with the utility if you are considering planting near rights of way to help determine plants that will not conflict with power lines. It is important to know how tall and wide a full-grown plant will be. Generally, trees and shrubs with a mature height of 10 feet or less will not cause problems unless they prevent access to lines, towers or poles.
- Select trees and shrubs that are adapted to the local climate and can withstand storms.
- Never place or construct habitable structures in the right of way.
- Before you work in a right of way, contact LCRA to ensure your activities can be completed safely without interfering with the line (LCRA Permission to Encroach Request Form).
Safety around downed power lines
Downed power lines are dangerous. If you encounter a downed line, assume it is energized, stay as far away from the line as possible and call 911 to report it. Do not attempt to approach or move the line, and do not touch anything or anyone in contact with it. Keep children and pets away. Downed lines are dangerous even if they are not arcing or sparking. Here is more information about downed power line safety.
Contact
Have questions or need to report an issue? The LCRA Real Estate Services Department can assist with information on ongoing work or general questions. Call us at 1-800-776-5272, ext. 4545 or ext. 4592.
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