The Austin City Council approved on Thursday a contract extension that will add up to $28 million in funding for tree trimming and vegetation management around Austin Energy electrical distribution lines.
The contract extension involves the utility’s three primary tree trimming partners: Asplundh Tree Expert LLC, Davey Tree Surgery Co., and Wright Tree Service, Inc.
“Austin Energy greatly appreciates the City Council’s continued support of the utility’s tree trimming efforts,” said Elton Richards, Austin Energy Vice President of Electrical System Field Operations. “We’ve added additional crews within the initial budget to ensure that we meet our timeline commitments and increase reliability for our community.”
By the end of 2028, the goal is to have all 305 Austin Energy circuits back to industry tree trimming standards and a new plan in place for a five-year maintenance cycle. One circuit can run anywhere from under a mile to nearly 40 miles of vegetation.
This past year, Austin Energy crews trimmed vegetation along 27 circuits.
