CU dedicates nearly $10M for tree trimming, pole replacement

City Utilities of Springfield announced this week that it's investing in efforts to shore up its power safety and reliability, specifically during storms.

The utility organization is dedicating nearly $10 million for tree trimming and pole replacement in fiscal 2026, according to a March 17 news release. CU's fiscal years start Oct. 1.

"We believe our customers see the best value in our tree management and pole replacement efforts for added reliability," said Rob Guiler, CU director of electric transmission and distribution, in the release.

CU officials say the estimated cost to bury electric lines for the entire community is roughly $3 billion. CU invested around $4 million in fiscal 2025 to convert overhead electric lines to underground service as part of municipal projects that include the Grant Avenue Parkway and Renew Jordan Creek projects.

"The cost to bury electric lines for the entire system is extremely high," Guiler said in the release. "This is a cost burden that the utility does not want to pass on to customers."

In fiscal 2025, CU trimmed trees along 103 miles of electric lines. It also replaced 1,075 electric poles, an increase from 681 poles the prior year.