As the 2025 hurricane season begins, the St. Kitts Electricity Company Ltd. (SKELEC) is intensifying its islandwide tree-clearing efforts to safeguard the electrical grid and ensure continued power supply throughout the most active months of the year.
Falling branches and overgrown trees are among the leading causes of power outages during storms. In response, SKELEC is accelerating its vegetation management programme, a key part of its broader strategy to build a more resilient electrical infrastructure and reduce storm-related damage.
“Vegetation management simply means we assess trees across the island and clear those infringing on our infrastructure, especially overhead lines,” explained Claricia Langley Stevens, SKELEC’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment Officer. “Our contractors are trained in safety protocols and use specialised equipment such as bucket trucks to carry out the work safely.”
Vegetation management plays a crucial role in what the utility calls “grid hardening”—an approach aimed at reducing power interruptions and infrastructure damage during extreme weather. By clearing hazard-prone areas ahead of time, SKELEC minimises the need for emergency repairs and ensures quicker recovery after storms.
The company’s transmission and distribution division, which serves approximately 95 percent of the island’s population, is responsible for maintaining the 11 kV network and planning for future expansion. This includes managing trees and brush along distribution lines, even in remote or low-traffic areas.
“SKELEC prides itself on its ongoing vegetation management,” said Langley Stevens. “We even have a dedicated department to ensure this work continues year-round.”
SKELEC also works closely with the public to promote awareness and safety. “We engage in regular outreach to remind our customers how important it is to keep trees trimmed and away from power lines,” she added.
In addition to pruning and brush removal, approved herbicides and mechanical tools are used to control plant growth around critical infrastructure. Contractors are required to meet strict standards, including holding valid business licences, carrying liability insurance, and using heavy-duty equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, and backhoes.
With the peak of the hurricane season occurring from July to November, SKELEC has increased the pace of these operations to reduce the risk of outages and ensure a faster response when emergencies occur.
“This is a regular part of our operations, but we scale up significantly during the hurricane season,” said Langley Stevens. “We’re asking for the public’s support and cooperation as our crews move around the island to carry out this important work.”
Residents are encouraged to regularly inspect their properties and ensure that trees and vegetation are not in contact with electrical lines. These collective efforts contribute to a more secure and reliable energy supply for all.
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