Preventing power outages and unsafe fire hazards by trimming trees too close to power lines is a safety and reliability priority for the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU).

The DPU has engaged Allied Tree Service to trim around the overhead power lines in White Rock and Los Alamos starting Monday.

The tree trimming project is anticipated to last two to three months with work beginning at the Ski Hill, then moving to White Rock, then the Los Alamos townsite.

The tree trimming is necessary to prevent trees from coming into contact with power lines and touching un‐insulated wires, which can lead to power outages.

The DPU will make every attempt to notify nearby affected residents and businesses one week in advance of tree trimming work in their area.

Trimming will occur within designated utility easements and the DPU asks the public to allow the trimming crews to access these areas.

For more information, contact Deputy Utility Manager for Electric Distribution Rafael De La Torre (rafael.delatorre@lacnm.us) or Michael Salazar (Michael.salazar@lacnm.us) or call the 311 Customer Care Center at 662‐8333.

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) operates the county‐owned electric, gas, water & wastewater systems under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities. The Board meets the third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. and the public is always welcome. Stay up to date with the DPU by subscribing to the monthly Board Meeting Recap via email, at www.losalamosnm.us/Pages/Subscribe.aspx. The DPU is funded by rates paid for electric, gas, water and wastewater services and auxiliary fees, and has provided the community with these services for more than 40 years.