Consumers Energy is working to cut down on the number of power outages by clearing and removing trees along 7,000 miles of power lines this year.

Consumers spokesperson Brian Wheeler says the program takes multiple forms.

“In some cases, we’re looking at burying power lines to protect them from trees, from the elements, but really most of our system is above ground in Michigan, and so we have to make sure that it’s not being interfered with by trees and branches,” Wheeler said. “Trees are the number one cause of power outages for us in Michigan.”

Wheeler says the company plans to clear trees along about 87,000 high and low voltage power lines over seven years.

Three years ago, Consumers Energy started a more aggressive effort to trim trees. Today, the company identifies electrical circuits where trees and vegetation most often lead to power outages and prioritizes them.