Yampa Valley Electric Association

Yampa Valley Electric Association appreciates how much the public values the appearance of home and commercial landscaping. Good appearance is one of the prime reasons for underground utilities.

Those underground electric lines must “come up” somewhere if they are to serve the electrical equipments of the public. In areas that are served by underground facilities, pad mount transformers and switchgear (those green boxes) are placed at selected intervals along main electric lines near streets and highways.

YVEA suggests a few landscaping ideas you will find helpful. YVEA requires the access to pad mount transformers and switchgear be kept clear for ten (10) feet. Some green boxes have two sets of doors, one in front and the other in the back – both require ten (10) foot clearance. The other non-door sides must have a two (2) foot clearance free of obstacles. Do not plant ivy or other climbing plants as they grown into the metal enclosures and cause problems.

Grass, gravel or small rocks are recommended within the two or 10 foot free zone. Avoid delicate flowerbed plantings that may be harmed. Small rocks the size of a soccer ball, placed outside the free zone break up the rigid straight lines of the electric equipment. Larger rocks, the size of boulders, should be placed at least 10 feet away from all sides of the equipment. Remember YVEA employees need access to the equipment in winter and summer. Electric equipment must be visually and physically accessible to utility crews and meter readers at all times.

For underground power lines, trees should be planted far enough away from the pad mount equipment, that when they reach maturity, overhanging branches won’t obstruct a crane from removing a defective transformer or setting a new one. Trees, shrubs and other landscape plantings should not be placed on the utility easement above underground electric cable. Do not change the grade around equipment to avoid problems with access and depth requirements for buried cables.

For overhead power lines, look up when planting a tree. Avoid spots under overhead power lines, even if you want to plant a small tree. Plant it so that upon maturity it will not reach within ten (10) feet of an overhead power line. If concrete is to be poured near a pole, the concrete needs to be at least 12 inches away from the pole. YVEA discourage the placement of concrete near any power line equipment.

Consult with YVEA if you plan to build, grade or construct any type of structure near electric equipment. Dependable, uninterrupted electric service is what consumers expect. YVEA will help you create a landscaping design that adds beauty and will not impair service to neighborhood electric equipment.

If you have any questions, please give either YVEA office a call and someone will be glad to assist you. Don’t forget to get a free utility line locate whenever you plan on digging, call the Utility Notification Center at 800-922-1987.