EnerStar is committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of our electric service, which is essential for daily life and powers both homes and businesses. Our dedicated forestry team — Tyler Robison, Colton Propst, Josh Wilmoth, and Bryce Walsh — serves as guardians of our electric infrastructure. Their roles require relentless effort, the right equipment, and a strong dedication to their craft.
Right-of-Way Maintenance
Right-of-way (ROW) maintenance is crucial for ensuring reliable service. Overgrown trees and vegetation near power lines can cause outages, especially during storms. EnerStar follows a scheduled maintenance cycle, typically every 5 to 8 years, to trim trees and clear obstructions.
We use various methods for this task. The most common involves traditional manual labor, utilizing specialized equipment such as chainsaws, pruning tools, and bucket trucks, along with advanced tree-climbing techniques.
We have also adopted innovative methods to manage tree growth near power lines. A few years ago, we contracted a helicopter equipped with suspended saws to access hard-to-reach areas, significantly reducing the time and labor required for clearing.
Meet the Jaraff/Giraffe
This year, EnerStar’s ROW plan included a visit from the “giraffe,” which is actually a Jaraff — a mechanical tree trimmer. This machine resembles a small crane and features a long, extendable boom with a circular cutting blade that can rotate 180 degrees for precise cuts in any direction. With the ability to reach heights of up to 75 feet, the Jaraff allows crews to work more efficiently, covering up to 1,000 feet of trimming per day — far more than what can be accomplished with manual trimming. The Jaraff is a significant addition to our maintenance arsenal and has recently been deployed to our West Union and Marshall substation areas.
Our Commitment Continues
EnerStar is fortunate to have a team of dedicated co-op employees. Whether it’s the forestry crews keeping the lines clear, linemen maintaining the system, or the office employees ensuring everything runs smoothly, their collective efforts are the backbone of our service, all with the common goal of providing exceptional member service, improving reliability, and keeping our communities powered safely.