The new program will move tree trimming and other vegetation management to a four-year cycle. It will take six years to fully implement the program. Up to now a reliability-based system of maintenance has been used, with priority placed on circuits most in need of trimming.

“We will begin to implement this new vegetation management program as quickly as practical,” said Appalachian Power distribution operations vice president Phil Wright. He said that customers will notice the benefits of cycle-based trimming, which not only will enhance reliability but will help speed power restoration times and ultimately reduce some restoration costs.

In its order, the Commission said the program will lessen future storm impacts. It concluded that the severe weather incidents since 2009 made it clear that utility distribution and transmission systems should be made more resistant to damage from vegetation and trees during major storms. Many states have implemented or are considering similar programs in the wake of the Derecho, Hurricane Sandy and other damaging storms in the last several years.

 “Reliable service is important to our customers, and it’s up to us to balance the need to keep prices as low as possible with the need to keep the lights on,” said Charles Patton, Appalachian Power president and COO. “While we can’t protect customers against outages in major events like the Derecho and Sandy, cycle trimming will result in more reliable electric service overall.”

Although there will be increased costs associated with the new program, rates for customers will not change right away, but will be included in the companies’ base rate filing, which the Commission previously approved to be filed by June 30, 2014. Costs would not appear on customer bills until the Commission rules in that case, most likely sometime in the second quarter of 2015. The increased right-of-way maintenance program will cost about $58 million on an annual basis. About $14 million is already imbedded in customer rates for right-of-way maintenance.