For the 11th consecutive year, We Energies has been selected as a Tree Line USA Utility. Sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters, the award recognizes the company's efforts to provide dependable, reliable service, while using best-practice vegetation management techniques.

This year, 147 utility companies were recognized with Tree Line USA designations. The award goes to utilities that meet three requirements:

• a program of quality tree care 
• annual employee training in quality tree-care practices 
• tree planting and public education programs

"We're honored that our vegetation management practices continue to receive recognition," said Saul Lopez, manager - Forestry and Locating Right of Way for We Energies. "We would not be successful and would not have an award-winning forestry program without the cooperation that we receive from the municipalities we serve and our customers. Our customers depend on us for reliable electric service. Part of that equation is exceptional vegetation management near our lines and equipment."

Lopez encourages anyone planning to plant a tree on their property this spring to determine how tall and how wide the trees will be when they are fully grown, and then plant them where the trees will not come within 10 feet of power lines or other utility equipment. "Proper forestry clearance from power equipment also minimizes the chance of a curious child climbing a tree and coming in contact with a live electric line," said Lopez.

We Energies serves more than 1.1 million electric customers in Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula and more than 1 million natural gas customers in Wisconsin.