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\n\tMore than 15,000 trees distributed through collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, local communities since 2017
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\n\tCompany\u2019s highly trained arborists, contractors care for and maintain trees year-round
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. \u2013 Duke Energy Florida will give away 1,000 free trees to its customers as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Jan. 16, which is also Florida Arbor Day, Duke Energy Florida customers can request a free tree online at https:\/\/get.arborday.org\/dukeenergy<\/a>, while supplies last.<\/p>\n How it works<\/p>\n The 1-gallon trees are shipped directly to customers\u2019 homes with planting and care instructions and are expected to be delivered in time for National Arbor Day in April. Available tree species include the sweetbay magnolia, crape myrtle, live oak, \u2018Shoal Creek\u2019 vitex, and Flordaking Peach.<\/p>\n The annual tree giveaway is part of the company\u2019s program to encourage Floridians to plant the right tree in the right place, which helps to reduce risks to nearby power lines.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the right tree is planted in the right place, it can help provide shade and cleaner air, while reducing vulnerabilities to the power lines nearby,\u201d said Melissa Seixas, president, Duke Energy Florida. \u201cThis year\u2019s giveaway of 1,000 trees is another way we\u2019re working with the communities and customers we serve to grow healthier tree canopies and support long-term power reliability.\u201d<\/p>\n Tree care practices around power lines <\/p>\n Throughout the year, Duke Energy Florida certified arborists and environmental specialists work with skilled contractors to identify potential hazards, trim trees, apply herbicides and remove trees that pose a threat to power lines or could pose a threat in the future.<\/p>\n For nearly 20 years, Duke Energy Florida has been recognized for its tree management practices by the Arbor Day Foundation and has provided more than 15,000 free trees since 2017.<\/p>\n Right Tree, Right Place<\/p>\n
For information about planning and planting vegetation around electrical facilities, visit Duke Energy\u2019s Right Tree Right Place website<\/a>.<\/p>\n Duke Energy Florida<\/p>\n Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Duke Energy<\/p>\n Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America\u2019s largest energy holding companies. The company\u2019s electric utilities serve\u202f8.6 million customers\u202fin North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve\u202f1.7 million customers\u202fin North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee,\u202fOhio\u202fand Kentucky.\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.\u00a0<\/p>\n More information is available at\u202fduke-energy.com<\/a> and the Duke Energy News Center<\/a>. Follow Duke Energy on\u202fX<\/a>,\u202fLinkedIn<\/a>,\u202fInstagram<\/a>\u202fand\u202fFacebook<\/a>, and visit illumination<\/a>\u202ffor stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Contact: Laitin Sterling
\n\tFind the Right Tree \u2013 Before selecting your tree, make sure to consider the long-term size, maturity and shape of the tree.
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\n\tChoose the Right Place \u2013 If you\u2019re planting trees on your property, note the location of any nearby power lines. Keeping trees away from power lines helps keep fallen or loose debris farther away from the lines to speed power restoration efforts.
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\n\tCall Before You Dig \u2013 Duke Energy Florida and other utilities can show you where cables and pipes are. Before you dig, call 811 or submit your request online at www.Sunshine811.com<\/a>.
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\n\tKeep Ground\/Pad Transformers Clear \u2013 Keep the transformer (green box typically found in front of homes) clear at all times to allow for maintenance and repairs. Maintain a clearance of 10 feet in the front and 3 feet on all sides.
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\n\tStay Safe Around Power Lines \u2013 Never attempt to trim trees around power lines yourself. These lines are energized and extremely dangerous.
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\n24-Hour: 800.559.3853<\/p>\n