NYSEG and RG&E Invested More Than $90M for Tree Trimming to Improve Electric Reliability
Trees are the leading cause of power interruptions, accounting for nearly half of all interruptions
The Companies detected and removed more than 12,000 danger trees in 2024
These preventative investments help the Companies provide safe and reliable energy to customers
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — June 24, 2025 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) today announced the investment of more than $90 million in vegetation management efforts in 2024. Vegetation management involves the trimming and removal of trees and other vegetation near distribution and transmission lines that pose a risk to the electric grid and customer service. Trees that threaten grid reliability are referred to as “danger trees” and can include dead trees, especially ash species.
“A robust and agile vegetation management program is one of the most important ways to ensure safe and reliable delivery of electric service to our customers," said Ashley Wein, manager of Vegetation Management for NYSEG and RG&E. "Following industry-wide best practices and relying on the professional expertise of the Vegetation Management team and data analytics tools developed through our Operational Performance team, we work hard with our communities to combine safety, utility vegetation management best practices and environmental responsibility to maintain safe, reliable energy delivery to our customers."
A majority of the $90 million investment supported a structured six-year cycle trim program that covers more than 62,000 miles of utility lines across both Companies. This proactive approach is critical to maintaining grid reliability, identifying and addressing potential danger trees. All work is performed in accordance with American National Standards Institute standards and Tree Care Industry Association guidelines.
Since 2017, the Companies have been approved by the New York State Public Service Commission to nearly triple their investments and efforts in vegetation management, with the understanding that it is a needed service to continuously provide reliable power to customers.
NYSEG and RG&E’s vegetation management teams collaborate with homeowners and landowners to detect and take care of danger trees before storms occur to help mitigate the leading causes of power interruptions. The Companies also remind customers to stay alert for roadside signage and utility trucks, as these crews often work near high-voltage lines and on the side of roads. Safety is a top priority – for both workers and the public.
In addition to the workers who do vegetation management for distribution lines and are often seen in the community, there are thousands of additional miles of transmission lines that need to be regularly trimmed and checked. These lines are often located in remote areas, and the regular management and maintenance of the vegetation around these lines is vital to reliability.
Customers with questions regarding vegetation management should visit our website at www.nyseg.com/outages/weareready/treework and www.rge.com/outages/weareready/treework or call 800.572.1111 for NYSEG and 800.743.2110 for RG&E.
Media Contact:
Max Weissman