From: Laura Smith <lsmith@NESPOWER.COM>
Sent: Friday, May 29, 2026 9:59 PM
To: Laura Smith <lsmith@NESPOWER.COM>
Subject: Nashville Electric Service – Resiliency/Tree Trimming Update

Attention: This email originated from a source external to Metro Government. Please exercise caution when opening any attachments or links from external sources.

Vice Mayor Henderson and Members of the Metropolitan Council,

On behalf of Nashville Electric Service, I would like to acknowledge the resolution passed by the Metropolitan Council on May 19 requesting a moratorium on NES’ tree trimming program.  I would also like to express gratitude to the Council Members who have reached out individually to make suggestions to improve the program and to alert NES to areas of concern.  NES respects the Council’s request, has already implemented substantial changes, and remains committed to continued dialog regarding improvements to the program which do not compromise reliability.  

Since NES implemented revisions to the tree trimming program in February of this year, we have made a number of changes/enhancements based, in part, on feedback from public officials.  They include:

• Softened the “ground to sky” policy, allowing undergrowth more than 15 feet from electric infrastructure to remain 
• Implemented a designated vegetation management hotline (615-695-7400)
• Improved communication protocols, which now include text messages, emails, postcards, and advance in-person contact
• Doubled the number of arborists under contract with NES to enhance proactive communication with customers ahead of tree trimming activities
• Engaged with local tree groups and committed to a continued conversation
• Attended community meetings at Council Members’ requests 

Within the last week, we made another significant modification to the program—transitioning to horseshoe trimming, which allows the preservation of more vegetation undergrowth.  I have attached to this email some slides excerpted from a presentation made to the Electric Power Board this week regarding the tree trimming program.  We hope you find the information helpful. Additionally, know that tree trimming program will be a priority subject in the special meeting Council will have next month with NES.

Most outages on the NES system are caused by trees.  We have heard—loud and clear—from our customers and from public officials that customers expect an increased focus on reliability.  NES’ revised tree trimming program is a resiliency/reliability-focused endeavor to reduce outages, not only on blue sky days, but during weather events.  The previous trimming policy was intended to prevent trees from growing in to the lines and preventing outages during blue sky and mild weather events.  The new policy takes into account the movement of both electrical conductors and limbs during wind/storm events.  The movement of vegetation and lines during wind events is also why NES moved from species-specific trimming to risk-based trimming.  The new standards should signficantly reduce outages in storm events.  The outages experienced during the April storms suggest the measures are successful.  

NES and the Metro Council share common goals–public safety, reliability, and responsiveness.  In the Board’s judgment, implementing a moratorium as requested would compromise reliability in the midst of spring storm season.  We hope that the modifications made to the trimming standards and the communications enhancements demonstrate NES’ commitment to work with and respond to concerns of the Metropolitan Council while balancing the demands for reliable service.  

NES appreciates the Council’s engagement on this issue and hopes the information provided demonstrates NES’ commitment to addressing concerns while fulfilling its responsibility to provide safe, realiable electric service.  We look forward to continued discussion as the program evolves.  

Best regards,

Laura Smith