This letter is written in response to the editorial last week, “Time for a change in power lines.”

I agree this is a time to advocate for a change, but not in how the power company delivers electricity, just how they maintain their lines.

AEP/KPC has a 50 feet right of way on either side of the power lines. That right of way should be maintained by AEP/KPC to keep clear the trees endangering the lines by falling across them. But clearing the right of way is not high on their to-do list.

When a storm comes to our area, trees that should have been cleared, some even reported ready to fall, do fall. Then thousands of customers lose electricity for days at a time and a state of emergency is called. At this point, the federal government can step in and pay for clearing and rebuilding the power lines, at no extra cost incurred by AEP/KPC in terms of payroll and repairs.

Seems clearing the right of way would be a simpler “quick fix” than burying the power lines.

And I also agree outages this major and frequent are no minor hindrances. They are life threatening and should and would be a thing of the past if AEP/KPC would maintain their right of way.

Respectfully to all AEP/KPC employees: I know how hard you physically work for your customers, but this situation can and should be addressed.

Angel Feltner

Hazard, Ky.