Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative (FLEC) is creating a list of contractors that are interested in bidding on hourly and intermittent vegetation clearance work needed for the extension of or improvement of existing powerline easements.  FLEC will evaluate the bids for the hourly work and plans to put one (1) hourly crew on regular work needed by the Cooperative this month.  The Cooperative is still contractually working with two (2) very capable contractors doing regular unit work clearing circuits, Stricklan Tree Service and the Real Tree Service that presently help FLEC maintain the existing powerline easements of the Cooperative; that work is not up for bid or consideration at this time.  But, there are times when the workload is overwhelming and over the past few months it has become a strain from time-to-time for the Cooperative to get electricity established on previously undeveloped properties or to get as needed problematic trees removed or trimmed under hourly or bid based agreements.  The need for a list of contractors willing to cut and clear trees and underbrush to help the Cooperative (or its membership directly) to prepare the land for the expansion of new electric lines has caused some delays from time to time and the Cooperative is hoping to eliminate any preventable delays.  Therefore, FLEC is reaching out to the public to establish a qualified bidder list of line clearance contractors that are willing to submit bids to the Cooperative for use in pricing to its membership for vegetation work necessary for the Cooperative to construct new powerlines or to address as needed vegetation clearance.  The work will be intermittent and on an “as needed basis” of the Cooperative usually; but there is a need now for some ongoing assistance. 

Contractors applying are expected to have the necessary insurance requirements set by the Cooperative and employ personnel capable of addressing whatever type of line clearance work that the Cooperative may need to clear rights-of-way suitable for new powerlines to be established soon after clearance is completed.  Those applying must employ certified climbing personnel capable of performing tree felling, utilizing rigging when necessary, so as not to disrupt the electrical infrastructure of the Cooperative.  Those applying must have bucket trucks, woodchippers, various other equipment necessary to efficiently clear debris from property.  It is preferred that those applying have experience and capabilities to safely and efficiently clear lines during storm restoration events, if needed to assist FLEC crews.  Those interested will be asked to pick up a packet of information from the Cooperative and submit their pricing that will be effective for a year as related to hourly vegetation clearance work, proof of insurance, business licensure, and any other information necessary by close of business on October 16^th at the corporate offices located at 116 Tellico Port Road, Vonore, TN  37885. 

FLEC is a member-owned, private, non-profit electric cooperative that provides safe, reliable and affordable energy to over 37,000 homes and businesses in parts of Blount, Loudon and Monroe Counties in east Tennessee.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

Fort Loudoun Electric Cooperative

John Latham, Vegetation Manager

1-877-353-2674, leave a message at ext. 161 | or email him at: john.latham@flec.org