ORLANDO – The
National Arbor Day Foundation has named OUC—The Reliable One a Tree Line
USA Utility for the seventh year in a row.
The
award recognizes utilities that trim trees near power lines with exceptional
care, provide annual tree-care training for employees and provide tree-education
programs for the public. The award is sponsored in cooperation with the National
Association of State Foresters.
"OUC’s effort in meeting Tree Line USA requirements – training workers in
quality tree-care practices and helping customers to plant appropriate trees near
utility lines – not only helps to provide beautiful trees for the future, but
also results in long-term operational savings for OUC," said John Rosenow,
president of the National Arbor Day Foundation. The nonprofit group is dedicated
to tree planting, conservation and environmental stewardship.
OUC has
developed a comprehensive tree management program that combines careful trimming
practices with the use of growth regulators that "train" trees to grow around
wires and retain more of their natural form. OUC also features tree planting and
tree trimming information and tips in its 2005 Hurricane Guide. Customers can
pick up a complimentary copy of the guide at OUC payment centers or view it
online at
OUC.com.
“Here
at OUC we’re proud of our long-standing commitment to helping Central Florida to
maintain a healthy tree canopy while providing reliable utility service to our
customers,” said Ken Ksionek, CEO and General Manager of OUC.
