WATERFORD, Connecticut, May 16, 2002 -- The Connecticut Light and Power Company launched an aggressive state-wide attack on fast-growing vines. Various species climb utility poles and wrap themselves around wires and transformers. The result can be power outages to hundreds, even thousands of customers. CL&P arborists, along with tree contractors, will travel the area in search of these vines. The work is expected to begin the second week of May and be completed by mid-June, 2002 .
Several species likely to be found on utility poles are poison ivy, creeper (wood vine), bittersweet, grape and wild rose. “This program is part of CL&P’s reliability improvement plan which is designed to minimize power interruptions,” said CL&P regional arborist Ken Botzek. “We estimate that at least 10% of all utility poles have some form of vine growth which has the potential, over time, to cause customer outages. These aggressive vines, which can strangle other native vegetation, are cut at ground level,” he added.
Every mile of CL&P’s overhead distribution lines will be surveyed to identify and eliminate this threat to customer reliability.
The Connecticut Light and Power Company (CL&P), Connecticut’s largest electric utility, provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 1.1 million customers in 149 cities and towns across the state. With 2,300 employees, CL&P offers programs and services in energy conservation, economic development, environmental education, and community relations. CL&P is part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE: NU). For more information, please visit www.cl-p.com.
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