- As part of the preventive maintenance of its networks, the company assigned crews to reinforce the management of trees within its concession area in the Metropolitan Region.
- In coordination with the municipalities, the aim is to reinforce winter preparedness and better face complex climatic events.
Santiago, March 27, 2025 - Since 80% of the electricity distribution network is aerial, one of the leading causes of supply interruptions is vegetation growing beneath or around the power lines. This issue, coupled with the extreme weather conditions we've experienced in recent years, often leads to large trees or branches falling on the network, causing significant damage to the electrical infrastructure.
Enel Distribución is implementing a tree management plan to prevent and address issues during the winter season. Between September 2024 and early March 2025, the company's specialized crews collaborated with the 33 municipalities in its concession area within the Metropolitan Region to clear approximately 77,000 trees.
Before implementing the tree management plan, aerial inspections are conducted over the network using helicopters and drones equipped with advanced technology. These include RGB sensors with cameras that capture high-resolution photographs. Additionally, LiDAR technology measures the distances between the power grid and nearby objects, such as vegetation. This information helps identify necessary preventive actions, such as clearing tree species that could pose a risk to the power grid due to their height and proximity.
"Our preventive pruning plan is essential to reduce possible power outages, especially in winter. In recent months, we have reinforced the work to face the possible risks associated with climate change in the best possible way", explained Francisco Messen, Enel Distribución's Operation and Maintenance Manager.
According to regulations, distribution companies must keep the electrical infrastructure in good condition. This includes pruning trees under power lines and within safety corridors to ensure a safe distance between the power lines and vegetation. For trees located outside the easement strip, such as those on the sidewalk in front of power poles or on private property, the responsibility for pruning falls to the property owners or municipalities. This prevents risks that could endanger the community or damage the power lines.
Municipalities have tree-clearing programs to address this issue, particularly for large trees in front of power lines that could fall onto the electrical grid. Enel Distribución is actively developing preventive measures in direct coordination with several municipalities within its service area.
Before implementing a pruning plan, it is essential to assess the condition of trees near the electric network. This evaluation helps determine the necessary work, which is carried out in stages using techniques to protect the health of the various tree species. Factors such as phytosanitary status, crown type, and growth form are considered. Proper tree intervention involves cutting branches at the base to avoid leaving stumps that may regrow and encroach on power lines in the future.
Enel Distribución’s teams are trained to perform these tasks safely, adhering to all safety protocols required for using chainsaws. They utilize appropriate equipment and personal protective gear, including anti-cutting clothing and face shields, to prevent accidents.
Since the last quarter of 2024, Enel Distribución has been collaborating with municipalities to prioritize pruning and clearing efforts in areas identified by the municipalities. Additionally, Enel has organized training workshops for municipal personnel on crisis management near power grids, which will be conducted throughout the year.
