Latvia plans wider tree-clearing zones around power lines

Latvia plans to expand the tree-clearing zone beneath 110-kilovolt power lines to reduce the risk of populated areas losing electricity for extended periods after severe storms, LSM reported. The Latvian parliament gave initial support to urgent amendments to the Protective Zones Law on Thursday, September 3. The amendments must still pass a final reading to take effect.

110-kilovolt lines transmit electricity from large power plants and international transmission networks to regional substations, which supply it to residents.

More than 70% of the damage to these lines during the recent storm was caused by falling trees growing within 18 metres of the power-line axis, state-owned transmission operator Augstsprieguma tīkls told the parliament’s Economic Affairs Committee.

The current protected zone beneath the lines is 35 metres wide, while a 13-metre strip on each side of the power-line axis must be completely cleared of trees and shrubs. The proposed amendments would widen the cleared strip to 18 metres on each side.

Economic Affairs Committee Chairman Arvils Ašeradens of New Unity said the recent storm had highlighted not only electricity-supply safety concerns but also broader issues involving civil protection and the resilience of critical infrastructure. He said it was unacceptable for residents to remain without electricity and communications for extended periods, adding that the proposed measure could reduce damage to overhead lines caused by falling trees by about 80%.

Ašeradens also said the committee would soon invite the responsible ministries to seek solutions for strengthening energy autonomy, fuel availability and communications resilience.

The storm that struck Latvia overnight on August 23 was the country’s strongest summer storm since at least 1966, when comprehensive wind-gust observations began. A person died when a new building collapsed in Jelgava, while several people were injured by falling trees and branches. Two firefighter rescuers were also injured during rescue work.

By the morning of August 23, electricity supply had been disrupted for about 277,000 households. Some parts of Latvia remained without electricity for several days, while traffic lights, shops and petrol stations were closed in many places. Mobile communications were also disrupted.