DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids: more cleared power lines – less emergencies

Pruning trees is a critical part of preparing the energy system for stable operation, especially during the autumn-winter period. In addition to repairs and maintenance of the grids, energy workers are systematically clearing routes in the overhead lines’ protected zone from brushwood, which may cause broken wires and short circuits.

In 2026, the company continued cooperation with Kyiv Regional Military Administration and territorial communities. It is planned to jointly clear a total of over 5,000 kilometers of power line routes this year.

“The storm when through the Kyiv region recently, causing power outages. The main cause was falling of trees and branches on the power lines. This especially concerns poorly kept trees in private households. This is why systematic pruning is critical. It helps protect the grids from damage and ensure reliable power supply to the residents of the region. We carry out scheduled clearing of routes, but it is important for the owners of land plots responsibly take care of their greenery,” – noted DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids CEO Vitalii Shaida.

Energy workers highlight: in accordance with the rules, landowners are the ones responsible for proper care of greenery on their land plots. Timely pruning of branches near the houses is not only a matter of order, but also an important step to prevent emergencies and ensure stable power supply.

To carry out work safely, especially when the branches are already touching the power lines, residents of the region must agree on the time of work performance with local authorities. They will forward this information to the energy workers, who will arrange temporary power shutdown to ensure safe pruning.

For reference
     · In accordance with the “Rules of grids protection“ planting trees underneath power lines is prohibited. Landowners or land users should clear green spaces if the tree branches approached the 0.4 kV lines closer than 1 meter, if branches hang over the wires or if the trees are in emergency state and can damage the grids during the storm — they should be pruned.

     · Power lines’ protected zone is a land plot and air space on both sides of the power lines. For the lines up to 1 kV, it is 2 meters on both sides, for 3-20 kV – 10 meters, 35 kV – 15 meters, 110 kV – 20 meters, 150 kV, 220 kV – 25 meters, 330 kV, 400 kV, 500 kV – 30 meters, 750 kV – 40 meters.