[coffeebean]

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?

[rjn5656]

I know a neighbor who also had to do this.

[vintageogauge]

I guess if I planted around the boxes and meter and was later told to remove them that is what I would do. I'm sure it's a safety issue for their workers and meter readers.

[Dana1963]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?

SECO addressed this issue in 2019 thread.

SECO News, October 2019 – SECO Energy

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by vintageogauge

I guess if I planted around the boxes and meter and was later told to remove them that is what I would do. I'm sure it's a safety issue for their workers and meter readers.

We purchased our pre-owned home with all the shrubs in place and very healthy and mature. I'm sad to remove that beautiful hedge in front of the transformer box but I do know it is for the safety of the workers. I certainly will not like looking at a transformer box from my window.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

We purchased our pre-owned home with all the shrubs in place and very healthy and mature. I'm sad to remove that beautiful hedge in front of the transformer box but I do know it is for the safety of the workers. I certainly will not like looking at a transformer box from my window.

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

Ten feet in front, three feet on the other three sides. Yours must have been far enough away that they could stay.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

The door to the transformer box must have 10 feet of clearance. My shrubs are well within that so they must come out. The other three sides of the transformer box must have 3 feet of clearance. Again, my shrubs are too close even on the side so they must come out.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

Yes, you are wrong. 10 feet in front and 3 on sides and back must be clear. SECO has been lenient in enforcing this previously but no longer. In extreme cases of noncompliance they will turn off your power. Just read this information in the latest VCDD news

[kendi]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

We purchased our pre-owned home with all the shrubs in place and very healthy and mature. I'm sad to remove that beautiful hedge in front of the transformer box but I do know it is for the safety of the workers. I certainly will not like looking at a transformer box from my window.

Understandable indeed.

[LizzieBorden]

Yes I received a letter in the mail. I may have a door knocker...but I am not at my residence ....But I got a letter advising me of the same. I have to send a picture to them at the site they gave me showing I have corrected the area.

[Grill Meister]

Yep. I got the notice and had to remove the vegetation as specified. We certainly don't want those SECO techies endangered by bushes and the sort growing around those transformers. There could be most anything lurking in there....snakes, lions, tigers, giraffes...who knows what. They can working on my transformer in total safety now.

[jedalton]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

SECO Energy has informed us (via a door knocker) that we need to clear out the shrubs (hedge) that are in front of the transformer box that sits in the back of our property. SECO needs 10' of clearance in front of where the transformer box door opens and 3' on the other three sides of the transformer box. We will be hiring landscapers to do this job.

We were also told we need to clear 3 feet from the front and sides of our SECO meter which is located on the side of the house. We have to remove one shrub which is part of the hedge that runs along the side of our house to be in compliance.

We were informed that once we receive a letter stating that these shrubs must be removed, we have 30 days to complete the work. If we do not comply, our service may be interrupted. Have you been notified yet to remove shrubs in these locations on your property?

yep same here

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by LizzieBorden

Yes I received a letter in the mail. I may have a door knocker...but I am not at my residence ....But I got a letter advising me of the same. I have to send a picture to them at the site they gave me showing I have corrected the area.

I'll be sending photos too when the work is completed.

[crash]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I may be wrong here but I think that you need only remove hedges from one side so the workers can stand and open the box if needed...unless yours are really covering the box??? We have been checked recently by them and we were o.k. to have them on one side.

No you are wrong you need 3 feet on either side and 10 feet on the front. They had me take pictures with a tape measure to show compliance.