With an increase in the number of dead and dying trees in the Lake Tahoe region, Liberty Utilities has tripled the number of inspectors to identify trees that pose a risk to the utility’s infrastructure. The inspection program and subsequent removal of hazardous trees are designed to reduce the risk of power outages, potential wildfires, and to comply with State regulations.

Liberty Utilities has been authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission to spend up to $2.5 million each year on vegetation management programs in order to maintain the CPUC requirement to keep trees, branches and other vegetation surrounding utility infrastructure trimmed back to reduce outage risks. Liberty Utilities has increased its efforts this summer to go above and beyond its annual vegetation management program.

Tree inspectors are working along the 57-mile length of the utility’s power line that serves the Tahoe City area. As high-risk trees are identified, another contractor will remove the hazards.

Any ree on private property that must be removed remains the property of the landowner. Liberty Utilities’ contract crews will remove the tree limbs and dispose of them, but the tree log itself belongs to the property owner.

Crews will continue their work in the Tahoe City area throughout June and will continue working along the West Shore and other parts of the service territory affected by tree mortality as long as necessary.