2025 Vegetation Management Roundtable

Overview:

The Florida Municipal Electric Association is pleased to partner with host Gainesville Regional Utilities to offer an inaugural roundtable for Florida's public power vegetation management personnel. As we navigate the challenges posed by Florida's geography, effective vegetation management is crucial in enhancing grid reliability and minimizing customer outages. This roundtable will provide a collaborative platform where participants can exchange insights, strategies, and experiences that contribute to the overall goal of maintaining a resilient electric system. This event is designed to foster an open dialogue, share policies and best practices, and facilitate networking among professionals responsible for managing vegetation trimming activities before and after storm seasons.

Key Discussion Topics: 

• Pre-Storm Vegetation Trimming: Techniques and timing for proactive trimming to prevent storm-related outages.
• Post-Storm Restoration: Efficient approaches to manage vegetation following storms to expedite power restoration.
• Innovative Tools and Technologies: Exploring advancements in vegetation management equipment and software that enhance operational efficiency.
• Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards: Navigating the regulatory landscape and ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
• Networking with Public Power Peers: Establishing a network of communication to support future utility needs.

Meeting Agenda:

• Roundtable discussion of topics as suggested by members
• Presentation or demonstration, as appropriate

Who Should Attend?

This meeting is open to all FMEA municipal members including: utility vegetation employees and key personnel who manage, supervise, and/or perform line clearance trimming activities, herbicide applications, and other activities involved in Integrated Vegetation Management programs that are tailored to the electric utility environment.

Lunch will be provided; please ensure all attendees from your utility are registered for catering purposes.

Please e-mail ebendele@flpublicpower.com with further questions or to suggest a topic for discussion or a speaker of interest.