Austin gets additional funds for tree trimming following multiple weather events

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin City Council approved $28 million in additional funding for tree trimming and vegetation management around Austin Energy (AE) electrical distribution lines, according to a statement from the utility.

According to an AE statement, the funding on the current contracts was depleted quicker than expected, partially due to multiple weather events.

“The additional funding aids Austin Energy’s efforts at ensuring the public’s safety, reducing wildfire risk and protecting the utility’s infrastructure and ability to serve customers,” the utility said.

AE said its goal was to have all 305 Austin Energy circuits back to industry tree trimming standards by the end of 2028, as well as have a new plan for a five-year maintenance cycle.

“Austin Energy’s Vegetation Management team works to keep approximately 5,000 miles of overhead line clear throughout the utility's 437-square-mile service area. Maintaining clearances leads to fewer fires and outages,” AE said. “This past year, Austin Energy crews trimmed vegetation along 27 circuits, the most the utility has been able to clear in two years.”