Veridian partners with Electrical Safety Authority to promote safe tree planting and pruning

AJAX, ON, May 21, 2014 /CNW/ - Veridian Connections ("Veridian"), in partnership with Ontario's Electrical Safety Authority ("ESA"), is taking steps to help its customers make wise choices when planting, replacing and trimming trees through the promotion and distribution of the ESA's guide Planting Under or Around Powerlines & Electrical Equipment. The initiative is intended to increase awareness of safety hazards related to underground and overhead equipment. Veridian also hopes to encourage customers to plant trees well away from overhead powerlines, so they don't contribute to power outages during severe weather events such as last December's ice storm.

"Whether you're a homeowner, landscape professional or municipal worker who will be planting or maintaining trees near or around powerlines and other electrical equipment, you need to be aware of electrical hazards before you start the task," explains Michael Angemeer, President and CEO, Veridian. "The ESA's guide is a valuable tool - providing information on potential electrical hazards, how to avoid these risks, provincial standards and best practices that can decrease electrical incidents."

Determining where to plant a tree is a decision that should not be taken lightly. There are many factors that should be considered prior to planting or trimming trees around the home. The ESA guide is a valuable resource that Veridian customers should reference before they plant, replace or trim trees around the home. The guide is posted on Veridian's website and being made available to customers requesting cable locates.

"Overgrown trees into powerlines can cause serious safety hazards to the public, and damaged branches can also fall and bring down powerlines with them," says Scott Saint, Chief Public Safety Officer, ESA. "This guide, developed with the help of local electric utilities like Veridian, encourages Ontario residents to ensure existing trees are properly maintained so they don't interfere with powerlines today, and provides advice on selecting and planting new trees so they don't cause a problem down the road."

Before starting any landscaping project, including planting or replacing a tree, Veridian and the ESA recommend following these important steps:

1. Look up and locate overhead powerlines
2. Contact Ontario One Call before you dig
3. Follow municipal guidelines for planting
4. Contact Veridian for easements that may apply to electrical equipment or overhead lines on your property

About Veridian Connections Inc.
Veridian Connections Inc. safely and reliably delivers electricity to more than 117,000 customers in the Cities of Pickering and Belleville, the Towns of Ajax and Gravenhurst, the Municipality of Port Hope, and the communities of Uxbridge, Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono, Port Perry, Beaverton, Sunderland and Cannington. Veridian Connections Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Veridian Corporation. The City of Pickering, the Town of Ajax, the Municipality of Clarington and the City of Belleville jointly own Veridian Corporation.

About the Electrical Safety Authority
The Electrical Safety Authority's (ESA) role is to enhance public electrical safety in Ontario. As an administrative authority acting on behalf of the Government of Ontario, ESA is responsible for administering specific regulations related to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, the licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, electricity distribution system safety, and electrical product safety. ESA works extensively with stakeholders throughout the province on education, training and promotion to foster electrical safety across the province. More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found at www.esasafe.com, through Twitter @HomeandSafety and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ElectricalSafetyAuthority

SOURCE: Veridian

Chris Mace
Sales & PR Representative - Corporate Communications
Veridian Connections Inc.
Phone: [phone], extension 2218
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.veridian.on.ca
Twitter: @VeridianTweets

Electrical Safety Authority Media Relations
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.esasafe.com