Kirkwood Electric Doubles Tree Trimming Budget;

Allocates Funds to Remove Debris Citywide

Kirkwood, Missouri -- Tuesday, July 17, 2007 – In the year since three major storms swept through Kirkwood bringing rain and ice and power outages to town, Kirkwood Electric has been strengthening its operation to increase its resistance when future storms arrive. In addition to the utility’s continued upgrade of its power system from 4Kv to 12Kv, Kirkwood Electric doubled its tree trimming budget this year from $250,000 to $425,000. “Nearly doubling this budget allows us to be more aggressive in our tree trimming activities,” commented Mark Petty, Kirkwood Electric Director. “We realize our community’s love for trees, and in every case we work to protect the tree canopy throughout the city. However, our priority is maintaining a reliable power supply for our customers and trimming tree foliage back away from power lines and utility equipment is a necessary part of keeping that commitment.”

            In addition to stepping up tree trimming efforts, Kirkwood Electric has budgeted funds to remove tree trimming debris citywide, including the larger debris that is left behind from AmerenUE’s tree trimming efforts in the Kirkwood area. “It’s our understanding that AmerenUE will be removing smaller tree trimming debris with a smaller chipper,” explained Petty. “We’re contracting with a local tree care company to remove any larger debris that AmerenUE can’t remove as a courtesy to all Kirkwood residents.”

            Petty stated that Kirkwood Electric’s tree trimming efforts, which are contracted out each year, continue year-round. The utility’s tree trimming schedule and budget currently follow a three-year cycle.

            Kirkwood Electric is one of 88 public power utilities located within the state of Missouri; one of 2,010 nationwide. Started in 1901, Kirkwood Electric is the oldest operating utility in the area, serving over 10,000 customers within Kirkwood. The revenues from the city-owned utility are used to provide quality electric service as well as help fund the daily operations of the city, including police and fire protection and basic street maintenance.

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