Skip to main content
Pay Online
smartphone image Contact Us
A meter Load Control: None
One-Time Bill Payment
Sign-up for Electric Line e-Newsletter
Home

REPORT AN OUTAGE:

715-677-2211 | 1-800-377-2932 | CWEC OUTAGE MAP | NATIONAL OUTAGE MAP

Menu

NEWS

  • To report a power outage please call 1-800-377-2932.
  • To learn about CWEC Energy Conservation Rewards call our office at 715-677-2211.
  • Enter the CWEC Member Photo Contest by Aug. 25, 2025
1 of 3 
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Capital Credits
    • Political Action
    • Member Involvement
    • Corporate Information
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Contact Us
    • History of Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative
  • Electric Service
    • Service Map
    • New Construction
    • Conversion Guide
    • Service Disconnection
    • Service Requirements
      • CT Cabinets/Meters
      • New Service Hookup
      • Wiring Affidavit
      • CWEC Electric Service Manual
    • Diggers Hotline
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Vegetation Management
    • Tree Work Request
    • Power Line Safety
  • Billing
    • Smart Meter Information
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Payment Options
    • New Member Application
    • Rates & Fees
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • Energy Assistance
    • Address Change
    • Member Contact Information
    • Meter Tampering Policy
    • Outage Notification
  • Member Services
    • Dairy Farm Rewiring Loan and Grant Program
    • Co-op Connections Program
    • Operation Round Up
    • STEAM Grant
    • Scholarship Opportunities
    • Youth Leadership Conference
    • Energy Audits
    • Energy Conservation Rewards
    • Load Management
    • Gift of Light
    • Life-Support Equipment
  • Products
    • GenerLink Transfer Switch
  • Renewables
    • Complimentary Electric Vehicle Charging Station
    • CHARGE EV
    • New Distribution Generation System Procedures
    • Solar Demonstration System Output
    • Solar Demonstration System
  • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Electric Demonstrations
    • Emergency Responder Safety Tips
    • Toys for Tots
    • Tree-Based Energy
    • Community Events Calendar
  • News
    • 2025 Annual Meeting
    • Emergency Management Contacts
    • 2025 Member Photo Contest
    • Electrical Safety Poster Contest
    • 2024 "Life in Rural Wisconsin" Winning Photos
    • Safety Before & After Storms
    • Scam Alert
    • Electric Line Newsletter
    • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
    • Energy Efficiency Rebates Available
    • Food Pantry Collection
    • Momentary Interruptions

CLEARING THE PATH TO RELIABILITY

Friday | January 26, 2024
All News

Trees are majestic, beautiful and good for the soul. But we also know that our members depend on us to deliver reliable power to their homes and businesses. That’s why Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative (CWEC) strives to balance maintaining the beautiful surroundings we all cherish with ensuring reliable electricity. You might not realize it, but there are several benefits to regular tree trimming.

Reliability

Keeping power lines clear of overgrown vegetation improves service reliability. After all, we’ve seen the whims of Mother Nature during severe weather events with fallen tree limbs taking down power lines and utility poles. While many factors can impact power disruptions, about half of all outages can be attributed to overgrown vegetation. This is why you sometimes see CWEC crews or contractors out in the community trimming trees near power lines. Our trimming crews have been trained and certified based on the latest industry standards.

In fact, all U.S. electric utilities are required to trim trees that grow too close to power lines. Scheduled trimming throughout the year keeps lines clear from overgrown or dead limbs that are likely to fall, and we are better able to prepare for severe weather events.

Plus, we all know it’s more cost-effective to undertake preventative maintenance than it is to make repairs after the fact.

Safety

Working near power lines can be dangerous, and we care about your safety and that of our lineworkers. For example, if trees are touching power lines in our members’ yards, they can pose a grave danger to families. If children can reach those trees, they can potentially climb into a danger zone. Electricity can arc, or jump, from a power line to a nearby conductor such as a tree.

Any tree or branch that falls across a power line creates a potentially dangerous situation. A proactive approach lessens the chances of fallen trees during severe weather events that make it more complicated and dangerous for lineworkers to restore power. 

Affordability

As a co-op, CWEC always strives to keep costs down for our members. If trees and other vegetation are left unchecked, they can become overgrown and expensive to correct. A strategic vegetation management program helps keep costs down for everyone.

When it comes to vegetation management, there are ways you can help too. When planting new trees, make sure they’re planted a safe distance from overhead power lines. Medium-height trees (40 ft. or smaller) should be planted at least 25 ft. from power lines. Taller trees (over 40 ft.) should be planted at least 50 ft. from power lines. You can also practice safe planting near pad-mounted transformers. Plant shrubs at least 10 ft. from the transformer door and 4 ft. from the sides. If your neighborhood has underground lines, remember to contact 811 before you begin any project that requires digging.

Additionally, if you spot an overgrown tree or branch that’s dangerously close to overhead lines, please let us know by contacting our office at 715-677-2211. You can print out a Tree Work Request form at: www.cwecoop.com/tree-work-request

We have deep roots in our community, and we love our beautiful surroundings. It takes a balanced approach, and our vegetation management program is a crucial tool in ensuring service reliability.

Back to Top

Quick Links

  • News
  • Diggers Hotline
  • Economic Development
  • Electric Line Newsletter
  • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
  • Energy Savings Programs

Contact Us

Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative

PO Box 100

10401 Lystul Road

Rosholt, WI  54473

 

Email: cwec@cwecoop.com

Phone: 715-677-2211

Toll Free: 800-377-2932

Pay by Phone: 1-844-239-0083

Fax: 715-677-4333

Office Hours: Monday thru Friday

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Follow Us Online

©2025 Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative. A Touchstone Energy Cooperative.

  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Cooperative Principles
    • Capital Credits
    • Political Action
    • Member Involvement
    • Corporate Information
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Contact Us
    • History of Central Wisconsin Electric Cooperative
  • Electric Service
    • Service Map
    • New Construction
    • Conversion Guide
    • Service Disconnection
    • Service Requirements
      • CT Cabinets/Meters
      • New Service Hookup
      • Wiring Affidavit
      • CWEC Electric Service Manual
    • Diggers Hotline
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Vegetation Management
    • Tree Work Request
    • Power Line Safety
  • Billing
    • Smart Meter Information
    • Pay Your Bill
    • Payment Options
    • New Member Application
    • Rates & Fees
    • Understanding Your Bill
    • Energy Assistance
    • Address Change
    • Member Contact Information
    • Meter Tampering Policy
    • Outage Notification
  • Member Services
    • Dairy Farm Rewiring Loan and Grant Program
    • Co-op Connections Program
    • Operation Round Up
    • STEAM Grant
    • Scholarship Opportunities
    • Youth Leadership Conference
    • Energy Audits
    • Energy Conservation Rewards
    • Load Management
    • Gift of Light
    • Life-Support Equipment
  • Products
    • GenerLink Transfer Switch
  • Renewables
    • Complimentary Electric Vehicle Charging Station
    • CHARGE EV
    • New Distribution Generation System Procedures
    • Solar Demonstration System Output
    • Solar Demonstration System
  • Community
    • Economic Development
    • Electric Demonstrations
    • Emergency Responder Safety Tips
    • Toys for Tots
    • Tree-Based Energy
    • Community Events Calendar
  • News
    • 2025 Annual Meeting
    • Emergency Management Contacts
    • 2025 Member Photo Contest
    • Electrical Safety Poster Contest
    • 2024 "Life in Rural Wisconsin" Winning Photos
    • Safety Before & After Storms
    • Scam Alert
    • Electric Line Newsletter
    • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
    • Energy Efficiency Rebates Available
    • Food Pantry Collection
    • Momentary Interruptions