In recent years, power outages have been caused by more than winter storms. Although Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative does all it can to prevent outages, they do happen. When they do, PSREC works to restore power as quickly as possible.
With the California wildfire season becoming longer and more destructive, PSREC announced in January that it has increased its vegetation management programs, adding to already robust practices.
PSREC performs vegetation management, monitoring, maintenance and repair along its infrastructure. PSREC’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan aims to minimize sources of ignition, strengthen the resiliency of the electric grid, and minimize unnecessary or ineffective actions. The plan is reviewed and updated annually, and presented to the cooperative’s board of directors.
Vegetation management techniques include pruning, trimming, topping and removing vegetation that presents a risk to the power infrastructure. PSREC conducts vegetation management procedures within and adjacent to its rights of way, easements and facilities to address imminent risks in the right of way.
Future risks, such as trees with compromised structural integrity, are also evaluated. PSREC must be able to contact members if a tree on or near their property needs to be removed.
Depending on the weather, PSREC typically begins its tree trimming and vegetation management programs in early spring.
Pole clearing begins April 1 and continues through June 30. As weather and fires have become more unpredictable in recent years, the cooperative asks members to share their current contact information. Many members have landline numbers on file that must be updated with cellphone numbers, said PSREC.
Keeping contact information up to date with PSREC makes communication easier, especially regarding notifications of emergencies and outages. Additionally, PSREC needs up-to-date information in case of access issues or line maintenance happening near residents.
PSREC’s outage notification system provides localized outage information to members via text and email. To view up-to-date outage information or report an outage, log into the PSREC SmartHub app or visit the PSREC website.
All outages can be reported, day or night, at 530-832-4261 or through the app.
Information submitted by Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative
