Vegetation Management: Customer's Role

Key considerations for conducting your own work:

• Customers can only clear vegetation on land they own.
• To complete work safely, customers can request a temporary disconnection of the pole-to-structure service line at no cost.
• All debris must be removed from the right-of-way as FortisAlberta (and contractors) must be able to safely access the area to install, operate and maintain the power line as required.
• Adjacent areas should be kept clear of any dead, declining, or hazardous vegetation that could fall and contact our equipment.
• Tree trimming must only be carried out by qualified professionals using certified tools and equipment suitable for work around energized power lines.
• Property owners must comply with all federal, provincial and municipal legislation.
• Customer work within seven metres of an overhead power line requires an overhead orientation (please contact us at 310-WIRE (9473) to schedule).
• Information on creating “defensible spaces” in the event of wildfires is available through FireSmart Alberta.
• Customers who do not wish for FortisAlberta to perform work on their property can hire or complete the work themselves provided all safety considerations above and safe working minimum approach distances are met.

FortisAlberta technicians or contractors may occasionally visit your property to ensure setbacks are maintained. If we determine that work is needed, you will be notified in advance. Please ensure that your contact information is updated with the retailer that issues your utility bill. Customers can also contact us if they notice vegetation in areas where FortisAlberta is responsible clearing.

Additional resources

• See requirements related to the planting of new vegetation.
•  helpful resources and contact information to help direct your questions, concerns or work requests to the right team.