Case Study: Block Island Power achieves accurate mapping and efficient vegetation management with Davey

Block Island Power Co doubles vegetation management budget with Davey after clearing 10 to 20 miles

Block Island Power Co, the municipal electric utility for Block Island, faced the challenge of managing overgrown vegetation along 47 miles of utility lines that had not been properly maintained in nearly 20 years, relying on outdated hand-drawn maps. This overgrowth was a leading cause of power outages for the seasonal tourist community. The utility sought a single service provider to handle comprehensive vegetation management, work planning, and accurate GPS asset mapping, turning to vendor Davey for a solution.

Davey implemented a coordinated vegetation management and mapping program, overcoming logistical hurdles to ferry crews and equipment to the island. Their teams performed extensive line clearing and began a detailed process of digitally mapping every pole and its assets. The results were dramatic, leading to positive feedback from residents and the local tree warden. Consequently, Block Island Power doubled its budget for the next year and encouraged Davey to accelerate the planned work, achieving a clear path toward a sustainable three- to four-year maintenance cycle.

Block Island Power Co