Clearing the right-of-way is a major effort of Erwin Utilities. We are blessed with an abundance of tree species covering an area of 278 miles of power lines. We depend on your cooperation and understanding to allow us to clear and trim right-of-ways on a regular basis, maintaining a safe and reliable service.

Erwin Utilities spends approximately $150,000 annually on tree clearance and maintenance.

We encourage anyone to carefully evaluate the growth characteristics of the trees and shrubs they are about to plant. This helps determine how close to a power line to plant. Never plant a tree directly beneath or close alongside any power line. Use varieties of trees that don't grow over 12 to 15 feet tall, and plant taller trees 25 to 30 feet away from power lines to help prevent power outages.

Property owner is responsible for maintaining trees under or near their service line. Erwin Utilities will take down a service line for the property owner to cut down or trim a tree near these lines.

Your cooperation is of the greatest importance to us. Our sole purpose is to try our best to keep lines safe and the power on.
 

Other Web Sites of Interest

• The Tennessee Valley Authority – http://www.tva.gov 
• Northeast Tennessee Valley Regional Industrial Development Association – http://bjournal.com/netvridahome.html 
• Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce – http://www.unicoicounty.org 
• Town of Unicoi - http://www.unicoi.tn.us