At CHEC, we strive to balance maintaining beautiful natural surroundings and ensuring a reliable power supply by keeping power lines clear in rights of way (ROW). 

While we recognize and appreciate the beauty of trees, there are important benefits to tree trimming in ROW areas. A right of way is the land we use to construct, maintain, replace or repair underground and overhead power lines. Rights of way enable the coop to provide clearance from trees and other obstructions that could hinder the power line installation, maintenance or operation. Regardless of if the ROW area is located on public land or near a business or home, CHEC must be able to maintain the power lines above and below the ROW.

Throughout 2026, our right-of-way (ROW) contractor, Xylem Tree Experts, will work to trim our ROW in Avon, Salvo, Waves and Rodanthe. 

The contract requires ROW to be trimmed six feet below the Cooperative’s neutral conductor or three feet below the communications fiber. The distribution ROW will be trimmed 10 feet on each side of the pole and the sub-transmission ROW will be trimmed 25 feet on each side of the pole. Xylem will begin work in Avon and continue through Salvo, Waves and Rodanthe under these specifications for the remainder of 2026. 

The overall goal of this work is to provide power to our members while maintaining the safety, reliability and affordability of our system. If you see our contractor out in the community trimming, remember the many benefits it brings! Trimming improves service reliability for you, the members we serve.