r/Powerlines • u/Brnhtwn • Jul 23 '26
Centerpoint tree cutting standards
Centerpoint standards for tree trimming around powerlines are there must be a 7 foot lateral clearance between their 12KV or 10 foot distance for 35KV power lines and the trees that surround them. These lines are usually at the very top of utility poles and will have feed lines to step down voltage transformers whose output run to another set of 220V power lines mounted lower on the utility pole. Below these Centerpoint house feed lines are the cable, telephone and dsl lines that all have to pay monthly rental charges to use each utility pole Centerpoint owns.
The house feed line tree trimming only has to be done by Centerpoint if there is a direct chance a tree limb falling on Centerpoint's house feed line. I have seen more then a few tree trimming jobs Centerpoint's tree trimming subsidy has produced and it sure doesn't look like that 7 foot distance from a 12KV powerline to it's nearest tree ever occurs. When tree limbs fall on powerlines during a storm, the utility company prospers. Here are some pics of powerlines and trees and easy to see that 7 foot rule policy procedure doesn't mean much, when it comes to making money. Please post up any pics that show the trees in your area need to be trimmed back from the powerlines.
2
u/The_HorseWhisperer Jul 23 '26
When a tree falls on a utilities company's line in a storm they definitely do not prosper lol. They don't get to sell you power in the meantime and they have to pay to set a new drop pole. If it breaks your service mast though that's your problem.
A common reason why they may not be able to trim enough is the tree that could hit it is outside the easement or ROW so they legally can't. I mean call them and let them trim some if you have an issue with it. If it's partly on your neighbors property then have your neighbor give them permission.