Managing vegetation near power lines is a critical component of ensuring reliable electric service for Umatilla Electric members. With nearly 30 years of experience in the electric utility industry, Operations Superintendent Dusty Grogan has seen firsthand how evolving wildfire mitigation efforts, regulatory changes, and rising costs impact vegetation management.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the electric utility industry, one of the most pressing challenges facing utilities today is wildfire
mitigation. Across California, Washington, and Oregon, utilities have ramped up their efforts in recent years to reduce wildfire
risks, driving demand for specialized vegetation management crews to unprecedented levels. As a result, the cost of securing
qualified utility arborists—professionals trained to work around high-voltage power lines—has soared.
Several years ago, as the need for right-of-way management grew, Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) faced a difficult decision. Without an existing contract with specialized vegetation management contractors, the utility had to think outside the box. “Instead of entering bidding wars for external crews, we opted to bring right-of-way maintenance in-house,” says Grogan. He continues, “This decision was a game-changer. By investing in specialized equipment, we took control of our vegetation management program, ensuring both reliability and cost
efficiency.”
In 2017, the utility purchased a skid steer and excavator, both with mulcher head attachments, allowing the UEC team to tackle thick brush areas and taller trees in the right-of-way as-needed. A critical component of this transformation was the integration of Geographic Information Systems and mapping technology. These systems allowed the UEC operations team to track trimming cycles, reducing the number of trips to the same area and improving efficiency. Eventually, UEC secured a contractor to handle aerial work while a structured four-year trim cycle was implemented. In addition to these cycles, the utility developed a danger tree program. The danger tree program identifies and removes trees that are out of the utility right-of-way, are dead or dying, and tall enough that they could still hit a line if they were to fall. These strategic moves have not only enhanced service reliability but also reduced outage duration, benefiting our members.
Adapting to an Evolving Regulatory Landscape
Wildfire mitigation is a constantly evolving challenge, impacting costs across multiple fronts—equipment, labor, insurance, and regulatory compliance. State Public Utility Commissions have intensified their oversight, requiring utilities to submit vegetation management work plans and adhere to stricter clearance regulations. These evolving requirements mean more frequent inspections from both the state and insurance providers, further driving up costs. Despite these challenges, UEC remains committed to maintaining a compliant, proactive vegetation management program that prioritizes safety and reliability.
Addressing Tree Growth and Extreme Weather Challenges
Tree growth rates play a role in shaping our trimming strategy. Different species grow at vastly different rates, creating unique
challenges in maintaining required clearances. For example, a slow-growing tree variety may only require a 12-to-16-inch trim while a fast-growing variety may need to be cut back by 8 to 10 feet. These disparities can sometimes lead to frustrations for the member however, our approach is rooted in maintaining safety and service reliability for you, our members.
Extreme weather events have further underscored the importance of our danger tree program. Danger trees are most likely to ignite a wildfire and are particularly susceptible to wind damage, addressing them is not always straightforward. Landowner cooperation, challenging terrain, and accessibility issues can complicate removal efforts. Despite these hurdles, our team works diligently to reduce risks and help maintain a safe and reliable system.
Strategic Investments to Manage Rising Costs
One of our most effective cost-control measures has been the decision to bring right-of-way crews in-house. By owning and operating our own vegetation management equipment, we have reduced our dependence on external contractors, allowing for better cost predictability and operational control. This approach has shielded us from fluctuating market rates and contractor shortages that have challenged utilities across the West Coast.
Additionally, technological advancements are playing an increasingly vital role in vegetation management. The industry has seen a surge in innovation, with companies developing software applications, drone technology, and even satellite imagery to enhance inspections. These tools offer utilities like UEC new ways to improve efficiency, streamline compliance, and ultimately reduce costs while maintaining high reliability standards.
Charging Forward
Since launching the intensified vegetation management program, the 5-year overall number of outages and duration of said outages have consistently trended downward. This progress is a testament to the dedication and forward-thinking approach of our team. As we
continue Charging Forward in 2025, we remain focused on embracing innovation, exploring creative solutions and ensuring that UEC’s members receive the highest level of service and reliability for years to come.
The challenges facing the electric utility industry are numerous—rising costs, increasing regulatory scrutiny, and the growing threat of wildfires. Our strategic investments in in-house vegetation management, cutting-edge technology, and proactive planning have positioned us to navigate these challenges effectively. However, at UEC, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing safe and dependable service to our members.