THE MESSENGER
A Publication for North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Members
NAEC tackling dead trees to prevent outages
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative (NAEC) personnel and contractors are eliminating the threat dead trees pose to the co-op’s more than 5,000 miles of lines.
When dead trees in and near the right-of-way inevitably fall, they often take power lines and poles down, too. This not only poses a safety concern for people but also causes sometimes-lengthy outages for NAEC members while line personnel must repair the damage.
“For the past year, the co-op has taken a more proactive, systematic, circuit-by-circuit approach to these dead trees,” said James Woody, vice president of operations.
“The past few years, we've seen an increase in the number of dead trees, particularly ash trees, along our lines, and that has led to increased outages for our membership when storms or time eventually take them.”
For the remainder of the year, NAEC employees and contractors will concentrate on the dead trees that are
along the power lines, “topping off” dead trees inside of the right-of-way as well as dead trees outside of the rightof-way that will reach power lines when they fall.
As is consistent with NAEC's policy, crews will leave the dead tree or tree sections on the property where they do not cause an access issue.
NAEC members can help prevent future tree-related outages by considering the location before planting a new one. Guidelines include:
• Do not plant shrubs or trees within 30 feet of the power lines. Any vegetation taller than 10 feet in that area will be trimmed or removed.
• Plant medium trees that will be less than 40 feet tall when mature at least 30 feet away from lines.
• Plant larger trees that will be more than 40 feet tall when mature at least 50 feet away from lines.
• Dial 811 before digging, so utilities may be marked.
IMPACTS OF THE EPA’S POWER PLANT RULE
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) power plant rule threatens access to reliable electricity for millions of Americans. The EPA’s power plant rule will:
Force the premature closure of many power plants that currently provide electricity 24/7.
Mandate the deployment of unproven carbon capture and storage technology.
Increase costs for consumers as utilities are forced to pay for new power generation to comply with the EPA rule. 1 2 3 4 5
Jeopardize the reliability of the grid at a time when America is already facing a surge in electricity demand.
Heighten the risk of rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the electric grid.
TIP OF THE MONTH
Now is the time to schedule annual maintenance for your home’s heating system. During fall months, HVAC technicians are typically less busy, making this an excellent time for maintenance and any necessary repairs before the winter months. A qualified technician can clean filters, check for leaks and ensure all system components are working efficiently to keep your home cozy and warm when the temperatures begin to drop.
ITEMS FOR BID
NAEC has items for sale to the highest bidder. They may be viewed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at the Ash Flat office at 824 Arkansas Highway 56. Send this completed bid form in an envelope marked “Bid” to NAEC, P.O. Box 1000, Salem, AR 72576 or drop it off at an NAEC office. Bids must be received by 1 p.m. Sept. 19. NAEC reserves the right to refuse any or all bids. Photos of items for bid are posted at naeci.com/equipmentsales. Call (870) 895-3221 with questions.
1907
2906
5001
7925
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7976
2018 Chevy 2500, 4x4, Ext Cab, 5.3L V8, Auto, Service Bed installed, regular bed included.
2011 Chevy 1500, 4x4, Crew Cab, 5.3L V8, Auto, Tool Boxes
2020 Tesla Model 3, Long Range Sedan, White, All-Wheel Drive
2010 Chevy 1500, 4x4, Crew Cab, 5.3L V8, Auto, Tool Boxes
2009 Chevy 2500, 4x4, Ext. Cab, 5.3L V8, Auto, Tool Boxes
2010 Chevy 1500, 4x4, Ext. Cab, 5.3L V8, Auto, Tool Boxes
1GC2KUEGXJZ264517 111,360
1GCPKPE39BF245304 148,970
5YJ3E1EB1LF512208 11,074
3GCRKPE33AG250018 146,855
1GCHK49K49E150685 193,671
1GCSKPE30AZ239981 114,833
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HAPPY LABOR DAY! — NAEC offices will be closed Sept. 2. A dispatcher will remain on duty. Call 870-895-3221.
From left, NAEC employees Mike Beck, Tyler Ochoa and Chris Hickman grill hot dogs for Fulton County Fair Kids Day attendees.