What could be a direct consequence of failing to maintain vegetation around substations?

Failing to maintain vegetation around substations can lead to safety hazards due to overgrowth. This is crucial for several reasons. Overgrown vegetation can encroach on the physical space surrounding substation equipment, potentially obstructing access for maintenance and emergency response. Additionally, tall plants and trees can pose a risk of coming into direct contact with electrical equipment, which could result in short circuits or outages, and escalate to more severe safety incidents, including fires.

Proper vegetation management is essential not only for safety but also for operational efficiency. An unkempt landscape can attract wildlife, which may interfere with equipment or lead to increased risks of electrical faults. Keeping vegetation well-maintained ensures clear sightlines for monitoring and reduces the risk of accidents. Therefore, the concern for safety hazards stemming from overgrowth is a critical reason to maintain clear areas around substations.