Why is it crucial to maintain vegetation around power lines?

Maintaining vegetation around power lines is crucial because it minimizes outage risks from branches and trees. Overgrown vegetation can come into contact with power lines during storms, high winds, or simply through natural growth, leading to power outages, equipment damage, and potentially hazardous situations such as electrical shorts or fires. By controlling the vegetation in the vicinity of power lines, utility companies can ensure a safer and more reliable power supply, avoiding disruptions that could affect numerous customers and operations.

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance to uphold service reliability and safety, which is vital for both the infrastructure and the communities served.